Osotsi dismisses Western unity calls, says it's a plot to back Ruto in 2027

Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi at Bunge Tower, Nairobi on March 10, 2025. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has dismissed the renewed push for unity among top Luhya leaders, claiming it is a veiled strategy to rally the Western region behind President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.

Speaking in Khwisero, Osotsi said the campaign spearheaded by a section of MPs to unite Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, and Cooperative Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya lacks genuine intent to advance the Luhya agenda.

“It is the same narrative they used in 2022 to hoodwink Luhyas. They promised to deliver 30 per cent of government positions but never even dissolved their own parties. Now they want to lure the community into supporting Ruto with the promise of a future presidency in 2032,” Osotsi said.

Osotsi, who is also the ODM deputy party leader, insisted that any unity drive must front a Luhya presidential candidate in 2027, not promote Ruto's re-election.

His comments come after a group of Western MPs asked the three top leaders to agree on a single flagbearer for the community.

During an interdenominational prayer service in Kivaywa, Lugari, which was attended by President Ruto, leaders, including John Waluke (Sirisia), Fred Ikana (Shinyalu), Nabii Nabwera (Lugari), Kakai Bisau (Kiminini), and Elsie Muhanda (Kakamega Woman Rep) rallied for political cohesion.

Waluke, who chairs the Western region caucus, said the region’s unity was crucial if they hoped to secure the deputy presidency or other senior positions in Ruto’s second term.

“We will all converge with Wetang’ula, Mudavadi, and even Eugene Wamalwa to ensure all our votes go to Ruto,” Waluke said.

But Osotsi warned that the agenda was more about political survival than genuine leadership.

“Where does that leave other leaders like Interior CS Kithure Kindiki, or ODM, if Raila supports Ruto?” he posed. “This isn’t unity; it’s political manipulation.”

However, Wetang’ula struck a reconciliatory tone, saying leaders must stop dividing the Luhya people and work together for the region’s development.

“It’s not the people who are divided. It is we leaders. We must take responsibility and come together,” he said.

Oparanya, on his part, said he remained interested in the presidency but would support a consensus candidate if it benefits the wider community.

He clarified that his presence in government was through the broader bipartisan talks facilitated by Azimio leader Raila Odinga.