Nominated MP Godfrey Osotsi has defected from ANC to ODM as he seeks the Vihiga Senate seat.
Osotsi made the announcement on Saturday at Kidundu Stadium during a boda boda fundraiser.
ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna welcomed the move.
He said Vihiga is an ODM zone and will capture the governor and senator positions.
Osotsi was involved in a long leadership tussle at ANC, where he was one time the secretary general.
The lawmaker said he has been trying his best to be reinstated in ANC and had even won all court cases, but the party still locked him out.
Osotsi said his troubles started after he said Eliud Owalo and Barrack Muluka intended to auction ANC to UDA.
He said his political ideologies also contributed to his downfall as party members were not ready for new ideas.
“I have written several letters to the party for them to reinstate me in the party but up to now the party has never done so,” Osotsi said.
“So I was walked and I have been operating as an Independent but I have now made up my mind.”
Leaders present during Osotsi’s declaration were ANC's Alfred Agoi and Beatrice Adagala, ODM members Caleb Amisi of Sabaot, Babu Owino of Embakasi East, Mark Nyamita of Uriri, Samuel Atandi of Alego Usonga, Busia Woman Rep Florence Mutua, Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo, Sifuna and a number of MCAs.
Osotsi said leadership is not about parties but individuals who are capable of leading this country.
“We should emphasise unity despite our political differences. That will help us improve the livelihoods of Vihiga [residents],” he said.
Edited by Josephine M. Mayuya
