Speaking in Bondo on Friday, December 26, Osotsi said ODM’s internal challenges stem largely from mixed messaging by leaders speaking outside their constitutional mandates.
The ODM deputy party leader argued that discipline and respect for party structures are essential as the party navigates a politically sensitive period ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“The ODM constitution is very clear,” Osotsi said.
“If we want to move forward as a party, we must allow the party leader and the secretary general to be our official voices. That is the only way we will achieve unity and progress.”
Osotsi urged party members to respect ODM’s internal rules and avoid public disagreements that, he said, weaken the party and confuse supporters.
According to him, the party’s constitution clearly outlines who is mandated to communicate official positions, and ignoring those provisions risks plunging ODM into deeper divisions.
His remarks come at a time when the party is split between two camps—one that supports engaging President William Ruto’s administration through a political partnership, and another that opposes any form of cooperation with the government.
The growing divisions have played out publicly, with senior ODM figures issuing conflicting statements on the party’s political direction.
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, who was also present at the event, offered a different interpretation of the ODM constitution.
He argued that the party leader holds exclusive authority to determine ODM’s direction, particularly on coalition-building and political alignments.
Wandayi cited Article 16 of the ODM constitution, saying it gives the party leader the sole mandate to negotiate coalitions and decide who the party supports politically.
“Under Article 16, the authority is vested in the party leader alone,” Wandayi said.
“That mandate is not shared. Once the party leader makes a decision, he only needs to notify the National Executive Committee, and the rest of the party is expected to follow.”
The Cabinet Secretary maintained that the party leader does not require prior consultations with other officials to exercise that mandate, adding that such authority is central to effective leadership.
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has, however, publicly challenged that position in recent days.
Osotsi urged party members to respect ODM’s internal rules and avoid public disagreements that, he said, weaken the party and confuse supporters.
According to him, the party’s constitution clearly outlines who is mandated to communicate official positions, and ignoring those provisions risks plunging ODM into deeper divisions.
His remarks come at a time when the party is split between two camps—one that supports engaging President William Ruto’s administration through a political partnership, and another that opposes any form of cooperation with the government.
The growing divisions have played out publicly, with senior ODM figures issuing conflicting statements on the party’s political direction.
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, who was also present at the event, offered a different interpretation of the ODM constitution.
He argued that the party leader holds exclusive authority to determine ODM’s direction, particularly on coalition-building and political alignments.
Wandayi cited Article 16 of the ODM constitution, saying it gives the party leader the sole mandate to negotiate coalitions and decide who the party supports politically.
“Under Article 16, the authority is vested in the party leader alone,” Wandayi said.
“That mandate is not shared. Once the party leader makes a decision, he only needs to notify the National Executive Committee, and the rest of the party is expected to follow.”
The Cabinet Secretary maintained that the party leader does not require prior consultations with other officials to exercise that mandate, adding that such authority is central to effective leadership.
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has, however, publicly challenged that position in recent days.
He cautioned Oburu Odinga against being influenced by a section of party leaders pushing for a political alliance with the government without broad consultations.
Sifuna warned that decisions of such magnitude should not be made unilaterally, arguing that ODM’s strength lies in grassroots engagement and collective decision-making.
“As secretary general, I can confirm that ODM has not yet taken a position on how it will approach 2027,” Sifuna said previously.
“Such decisions must involve the party’s structures, delegates, and supporters.”
Sifuna warned that decisions of such magnitude should not be made unilaterally, arguing that ODM’s strength lies in grassroots engagement and collective decision-making.
“As secretary general, I can confirm that ODM has not yet taken a position on how it will approach 2027,” Sifuna said previously.
“Such decisions must involve the party’s structures, delegates, and supporters.”
He further stressed that ODM’s constitution does not support a “one-man show,” especially on issues that define the party’s future.
In response, Oburu Odinga dismissed claims that he makes unilateral decisions, saying he values consultations within the party.
However, he warned against leaders issuing contradictory statements once a consensus has been reached.
The ODM leader cautioned that public disagreements damage the party’s image and undermine its ability to function as a cohesive political force.
“We cannot agree in meetings and then go outside to speak different languages,” Oburu said. “That only weakens us.”
In response, Oburu Odinga dismissed claims that he makes unilateral decisions, saying he values consultations within the party.
However, he warned against leaders issuing contradictory statements once a consensus has been reached.
The ODM leader cautioned that public disagreements damage the party’s image and undermine its ability to function as a cohesive political force.
“We cannot agree in meetings and then go outside to speak different languages,” Oburu said. “That only weakens us.”
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