VIHIGA, Kenya- The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has appointed Vihiga Governor Wilbur Ottichilo as the party’s patron in Vihiga County, replacing Senator Godfrey Osotsi in the latest leadership changes as the party reorganises ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The appointment was announced during a county delegates’ meeting, where party officials said the reshuffle was aimed at revitalising ODM’s grassroots structures by replacing leaders deemed not to be actively advancing the party’s agenda.
According to party officials, the changes are intended to strengthen the party’s county leadership and enhance unity as ODM prepares for the next electoral cycle.
Governor Ottichilo welcomed the appointment, saying the party required renewed leadership to overcome internal divisions that had affected its operations in recent months.
“In the past few months, the party has not had a proper direction. There have been divisions among the leadership,” Ottichilo said.
“It is good that ODM is putting in place a leadership that will move the party forward.”
Leadership changes reflect internal realignment
The changes are widely viewed as part of a broader effort by ODM’s leadership to consolidate the party amid growing internal debate over its relationship with President William Ruto’s administration.
Senator Osotsi has been associated with the Linda Mwananchi Movement, a faction allied to Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna that has consistently maintained a more critical stance towards the Kenya Kwanza government despite ODM’s cooperation with the administration under the broad-based government arrangement.
The faction has repeatedly criticised the government over the high cost of living, governance, accountability and the implementation of public policies.
Its leaders have argued that ODM should preserve its identity as an independent political party capable of providing effective oversight while supporting issues that serve the public interest.
However, that position has increasingly differed from another wing of the party led by ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, who have openly supported closer political cooperation with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Coalition talks reshape party dynamics
The leadership changes come as ODM and UDA continue negotiations on a possible formal pre-election coalition ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Negotiation teams from both parties have been tasked with developing a coalition framework and a joint manifesto, building on the broad-based government arrangement that has seen ODM and Kenya Kwanza cooperate on several legislative and governance matters.
Political analysts view the latest changes in Vihiga as part of a wider restructuring within ODM aimed at aligning county leadership with the party’s evolving political strategy.
The reshuffle follows other recent changes affecting leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi Movement. Senator Edwin Sifuna was recently removed as ODM Secretary-General and Senate Deputy Minority Whip, developments that intensified debate over the party’s future direction and internal cohesion.