Godfrey Otsosi: ODM Leaders Distorting Raila-Ruto Reform Agreement

A senior political figure in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has been quoted in public circles as accusing some leaders in the party of lying to the people of Kenya about the implementation of the 10-Point Agenda agreement signed between former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and President William Ruto.

In a statement issued on March 10, 2026, Vihiga Senator and ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi claimed that leaders in the party were misinforming the public on the facts surrounding the March 7, 2025, agreement.

According to the senator, the narrative being circulated downplays what he described as systematic obstruction of the reform agenda.

“My attention has been drawn to misleading statements by some leaders within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) regarding the 10-Point Agenda Agreement signed between our departed party leader, Raila Amolo Odinga, and President William Ruto on March 7, 2025,” Otsosi said.

He added that the claims attempt to, “distort the true nature and intent of the agreement while downplaying the systematic sabotage of its implementation by President Ruto and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), particularly following Raila’s untimely death.”

Dispute Over Timeline of Reform Agreement

The ODM deputy leader also dismissed assertions that the agreement had no clear timeline and that March 7, 2026 merely marked the first anniversary of a symbolic signing ceremony held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).

“A narrative is now being pushed by pro-regime voices within ODM claiming that the agreement had no timeline and that March 7, 2026 merely marks the first anniversary of a symbolic signing ceremony at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC). This interpretation is inaccurate and misleading,” he said.

Otsosi argued that such statements amounted to a betrayal of Raila Odinga’s legacy and the sacrifices made by Kenyans who participated in civic protests demanding reforms.

“Such claims amount to a betrayal of Raila Odinga’s legacy and the millions of Kenyans who sacrificed during the protests and civic agitation that demanded reforms and accountability from the state,” he stated.

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Origins of the 10-Point Agenda

The senator explained that the agreement emerged from sustained public pressure and negotiations involving the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO).

He insisted the reforms were not merely political conveniences but were rooted in demands for governance reforms, improved economic management, and protection of human rights.

“The National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) Report and the subsequent 10-Point Agenda Agreement were not political conveniences. They were the result of sustained public agitation and national demand for reforms in governance, economic management and the protection of human rights,” Otsosi noted.

He revealed that before signing the agreement, ODM held internal consultations during a Central Management Committee meeting chaired by Raila Odinga. During the meeting, a proposal was introduced to draft a coalition pact between ODM and UDA.

According to Otsosi, Odinga rejected the coalition proposal and instead insisted on a people-centered reform framework addressing concerns raised in the NADCO report and the Gen Z protests.

“He subsequently appointed a team comprising Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, ODM Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen and lawyer Paul Mwangi to develop the reform framework that later became the 10-Point Agenda,” he said.

Claims of Stalled Implementation

Otsosi further stated that when the document was presented to the UDA delegation led by President Ruto at KICC, it was approved within minutes, raising early concerns among some ODM leaders about the government’s commitment to genuine implementation.

“When the document was presented to the UDA delegation led by President Ruto at KICC, it was approved within minutes, raising early concerns that the ruling party’s interest lay more in the optics of signing than in genuine implementation,” he said.

In the months that followed, he noted, the agreement was repeatedly characterized as a coalition pact despite stalled implementation.

“Concerned by this lack of progress, Raila directed some ODM leaders, including myself and Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, to publicly clarify the nature of the agreement and demand its implementation,” Otsosi said.

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Oversight Committee and Public Accountability

During an ODM Central Management Committee meeting on August 6, 2025, the party concluded that UDA had reneged on its commitments, leading to the establishment of a five-member oversight committee chaired by former Senator Agnes Zani.

“The communiqué provided an implementation framework and stipulated that the committee would submit its final report by March 7, 2026,” he explained.

However, Otsosi criticized the committee’s operations, saying they lacked transparency and consistent reporting.

“Unfortunately, the committee’s operations have lacked transparency and regular reporting as required. Kenyans have largely been treated to public relations narratives rather than clear progress reports on promised reforms,” he said.

The ODM deputy leader warned that subordinating the party’s founding ideals to political interests would be tragic for a movement built on democracy and social justice.

“ODM was founded as a people’s movement committed to democracy, justice and social reform. It would therefore be tragic if its founding ideals were subordinated to the political interests of the regime the reforms were meant to check,” he stated.

Otsosi concluded by announcing that a progressive faction within the party would release an independent report assessing the true status of the 10-Point Agenda implementation.

“For this reason, the progressive wing of ODM operating under the Linda Mwananchi platform will continue to defend the party’s founding principles and the reform commitments made to the Kenyan people,” he said.

“Tomorrow we shall release a People’s Report presenting an independent assessment of the true status of the implementation of the 10-Point Agenda.”

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President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga during the signing of a political pact at KICC on March 7, 2025. PHOTO/PCS.