Vihiga Senator and ODM deputy party leader Godfrey Osotsi has argued that the party’s progress depends on discipline and strict adherence to its constitution, particularly on matters of public communication.
Speaking during a function in Bondo on Friday, December 26, Osotsi said ODM risks losing focus if too many voices speak on its behalf without a clear mandate.
According to Osotsi, the ODM constitution is explicit on leadership roles, noting that only the party leader and the secretary general are authorised to issue official statements or political direction on behalf of the party.
According to Osotsi, the ODM constitution is explicit on leadership roles, noting that only the party leader and the secretary general are authorised to issue official statements or political direction on behalf of the party.
He urged members to respect internal structures, warning that mixed messaging could weaken ODM at a time when unity is critical.
Osotsi maintained that consistency in communication would help the party navigate ongoing internal disagreements, especially over its political posture and future alliances.
Osotsi maintained that consistency in communication would help the party navigate ongoing internal disagreements, especially over its political posture and future alliances.
He said respecting party rules was not optional and called on leaders to avoid public contradictions that may confuse supporters.
The remarks come amid visible divisions within ODM, with factions split over whether the party should pursue cooperation with President William Ruto’s administration or maintain a firm opposition stance.
The remarks come amid visible divisions within ODM, with factions split over whether the party should pursue cooperation with President William Ruto’s administration or maintain a firm opposition stance.
The debate has intensified as the country slowly shifts focus toward the 2027 elections.
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, who attended the same event, offered a contrasting but constitution-based interpretation.
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, who attended the same event, offered a contrasting but constitution-based interpretation.
Wandayi cited Article 16 of the ODM constitution, arguing that the party leader holds exclusive authority to guide the party on coalition-building and political alignments.
Wandayi said the constitution grants the party leader sole discretion to enter negotiations or decide ODM’s direction, without the obligation to seek consensus beforehand.
Wandayi said the constitution grants the party leader sole discretion to enter negotiations or decide ODM’s direction, without the obligation to seek consensus beforehand.
According to him, consultations only come after a decision has been made, with the leader required to inform the National Executive Committee (NEC), the party’s highest decision-making organ.
He added that once the NEC is notified, party members are expected to rally behind the chosen path, regardless of individual opinions.
He added that once the NEC is notified, party members are expected to rally behind the chosen path, regardless of individual opinions.
Wandayi emphasised that this framework ensures decisive leadership and avoids paralysis caused by prolonged internal debates.
However, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has publicly questioned this approach, cautioning against what he described as unilateral decision-making.
However, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has publicly questioned this approach, cautioning against what he described as unilateral decision-making.
Sifuna recently warned party leader Oburu Odinga against being influenced into forming political alliances without broad consultations.
Sifuna insisted that decisions of national significance, especially those affecting the party’s long-term direction, must involve grassroots input and delegates’ views.
Sifuna insisted that decisions of national significance, especially those affecting the party’s long-term direction, must involve grassroots input and delegates’ views.
He argued that ODM had not yet agreed on its political position ahead of 2027 and that any premature alignment could alienate supporters.
According to Sifuna, the party’s strength has historically come from collective decision-making and internal democracy, not directives issued from the top without consensus. He maintained that open discussions were necessary to preserve unity and credibility.
In response, ODM party leader Oburu Odinga rejected claims that he was acting alone, saying consultations remain central to his leadership style.
According to Sifuna, the party’s strength has historically come from collective decision-making and internal democracy, not directives issued from the top without consensus. He maintained that open discussions were necessary to preserve unity and credibility.
In response, ODM party leader Oburu Odinga rejected claims that he was acting alone, saying consultations remain central to his leadership style.
He acknowledged internal disagreements but warned that public infighting and contradictory statements could harm the party.
Oburu urged party leaders to speak with one voice once decisions are agreed upon, stressing that unity does not mean the absence of debate, but discipline after consensus is reached.
Oburu urged party leaders to speak with one voice once decisions are agreed upon, stressing that unity does not mean the absence of debate, but discipline after consensus is reached.
