The decision, made at a special delegates' meeting in late March 2026, has sparked a fierce contest to fill the vacant position.
Osotsi’s sudden ouster has left the party with a leadership vacuum, with leaders from Western Kenya now positioning themselves to take over the role.
The senator, who was dismissed without prior warning, has since joined a rebel faction called Linda Mwananchi, claiming that he has moved on from ODM.
This shift has opened the door for prominent leaders from the region to vie for the post. Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa and Busia Governor Paul Otuoma have emerged as the leading contenders, with insiders indicating that the replacement must come from Western Kenya to maintain regional balance within the party.
Among those also eyeing the deputy leader role is Winnie Odinga, daughter of ODM leader Raila Odinga and an EALA MP. With strong support from delegates in Nairobi, many had seen her as a youthful, fresh face who could inject new energy into the party.
Initially, she was linked to Osotsi’s former position, but the powerful push from Western ODM leaders has cast doubt on her chances.
Behind the scenes, Raila Odinga’s brother, Oburu Odinga, is reportedly working to mediate tensions and avert a deeper rift within the party.
Despite Winnie’s efforts to unite ODM’s factions, the regional rivalry between the Western bloc and her supporters has put her aspirations on hold.
This internal struggle reveals how ODM’s unity is being tested ahead of crucial elections, with regional politics, family dynamics, and individual ambitions all at play.
The outcome of this leadership contest could significantly impact the party’s strength in the coming years.
0 Comments