Godfrey Osotsi has claimed that consultations surrounding the controversial removal of Edwin Sifuna as ODM Secretary General extended beyond party structures and reached William Ruto.
Speaking on Thursday, February 12, the Vihiga Senator alleged that certain party leaders bypassed key stakeholders within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and instead sought external influence before proceeding with the decision.
“I am surprised that Senator Oburu told us he needed to consult further, yet the consultation was not with other key stakeholders in the party,” Osotsi said.
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“Instead, they proceeded that night to State House to consult William Ruto, and that is why the two of us did not attend the NEC meeting in Mombasa,” he added.
Osotsi further claimed that there is a faction within ODM allegedly working in coordination with President Ruto, accusing the group of undermining the party from within.
“There is a pair in this party, an axis of evil, who are working day and night to assist William Ruto in wrecking this party. We will not allow it, which is why we are saying that starting this weekend, we will be engaging our supporters so our people remain firm,” he stated.
He maintained that the group opposed to Sifuna’s removal would continue to defend the party’s founding principles.
“We are not about to give up, and we will continue to protect the legacy of Raila Amolo Odinga,” Osotsi added.
Separately, Joe Nyutu also alleged that Sifuna’s removal was orchestrated by President Ruto, claiming the move was linked to past public criticism directed at the Head of State.
Speaking in an interview earlier on Thursday, Nyutu argued that the events unfolded in line with earlier warnings allegedly issued by Ruto.
“The removal of Sifuna has nothing to do with ODM but with President Ruto. If you recall, during the burial of Raila Odinga’s bodyguard, Ruto warned Sifuna against attacking him, claiming he is one of the founding members of ODM and that he would call a meeting to have him disciplined. That meeting was held yesterday, just as he promised,” Nyutu said.
In April 2025, President Ruto publicly reminded Sifuna of his deep-rooted ties to ODM, invoking his position as one of the party’s founding members.
“When you speak about me, Edwin Sifuna, know that I am a founding member of ODM. If you push me too far, I will call for a meeting of the founding members, and if we do, we can discipline you,” Ruto said at the time.
The remarks followed a bold address by Sifuna in which he criticised the President’s administration, accusing it of creating self-inflicted challenges. He referenced the “Echoes of War” controversy and questioned the handling of an incident in Nakuru involving students from Butere Girls’ High School who were reportedly barred from performing.
“Like the Bishop mentioned, your job is very hard, and I agree with him because at some point I usually wonder if you get to sleep,” Sifuna said.
“However, there are some difficulties you have imposed on yourself. Like the drama we saw in Nakuru where Butere Girls’ High School students were stopped from performing, that’s a problem you have imposed on yourself.”
The latest claims by Osotsi and Nyutu are likely to deepen divisions within ODM, as internal wrangles over leadership and direction continue to play out publicly.