Editor's Review

Ruto was urged to disregard the pronouncements by some MPs like Jalang'o who are pledging him support for the 2027 presidential vote.

Divisions continue to rock the ODM party as factions hold onto their different stances regarding the broad-based government and the re-election of President William Ruto. 

Deputy party leader Godfrey Osotsi called out a section of ODM lawmakers who have been declaring support for the president.

Speaking in Vihiga on Sunday, November 2, during an ADC church service attended by Ruto, Osotsi specifically called out Lang'ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, alias Jalang'o, and Gem's Elisha Odhiambo, for declaring that ODM would back Ruto in 2027.

Osotsi noted that the Orange party had yet to ratify any decision to back Ruto's re-election.

The senator stated that the declarations by the MPs do not hold water and are mere political talking points for their expedience.

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Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi.

Osotsi, while calling the MPs to order, stated that the decision to support Ruto in the 2027 vote will be deliberated on by the ODM's central committee.

He asked the president to engage ODM through its official channels and disregard pronouncements by MPs in the political rallies.

"I want to ask the president to be careful with some of these MPs. The party adopted a position last week to support the broad-based government, and that our party has structures. These MPs do not represent the party. MPs like Jalang'o of Lang'ata and Elisha Odhiambo of Gem were expelled from ODM. I would like to ask the president to address ODm through its structures. We have no problem with the broad-based government, but MPs must adhere to the official of the position," Osotsi said. 

Osotsi is aligned with ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna, who holds that ODM is not in any coalition with Ruto.

Speaking in Mombasa on November 1, Sifuna called out the elected leaders in ODM who are pledging the party's allegiance to Ruto without the authorisation of the party leadership.

The Nairobi senator insisted that ODM will keep to the partnership with UDA based on the ten-point agenda that informed their memorandum of understanding.

Meanwhile, he said the party is strategising to have its own presidential candidate.