Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has pushed back against growing calls for leaders from Western Kenya to abandon the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), asserting that the party remains firmly rooted as their political home.
Addressing mourners in Lugari on Sunday, December 21, 2025, during a visit by ODM leaders to condole with the family of the late former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo, Osotsi said there was no justification for leaders to walk away from a party they have helped build over decades.
“I have heard people saying that Luhyas should leave ODM. Leave and go where? Leave and go where?” Osotsi posed, questioning the logic behind the calls.
The senator emphasized that ODM has historically provided a strong political platform for leaders from Western Kenya and other regions, adding that internal disagreements are not unique to the party and should be resolved through dialogue rather than defections.
Osotsi also defended Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and other ODM leaders who have recently been mentioned in discussions about possible exits, insisting that diversity of opinion strengthens the party. He noted that ODM has clear internal mechanisms for addressing grievances and aligning leaders on shared goals.
According to Osotsi, abandoning ODM would not only undermine years of political investment but also weaken the collective bargaining power of Western Kenya within national politics. He urged party members to remain united and focused on strengthening ODM ahead of future political contests.
The remarks come amid renewed debate about the political direction of Western Kenya and the role of ODM in shaping the region’s future. Osotsi maintained that unity within the party remains the best path forward, stressing that ODM’s foundation was built on resilience, inclusivity, and internal democracy.
