OSOTSI: THE PRAGMATIC LEADER VIHIGA NEEDS
By Hlestakov Good Morning Kenya News
When President William Ruto landed in Nyang’ori, Vihiga County this morning, the spectacle that followed was telling. Local leaders scrambled for attention, tripping over themselves to greet the Head of State. Some bowed low, others went down on their knees, a few almost stretched out like doormats waiting for the President’s step, while others managed nothing more than nervous smiles.
But one leader stood out.
Hon. Godfrey Osotsi, Vihiga Senator and Deputy Party Leader of ODM, remained firm, upright, and dignified. He did not cower, he did not bend, he did not fawn. His posture was that of a leader who knows who he is and where he is going. So striking was his stance that President Ruto reached out and clasped his hand with both of his, in a gesture that spoke louder than words.
That single moment told a story.
It told of Osotsi the principled man.
Osotsi the pragmatic leader.
Osotsi who is bold and brave enough to face power without surrendering dignity.
Osotsi who is no pushover.
Osotsi who is firm yet humble.
Osotsi who embodies stature.
And when he rose to speak, Osotsi’s words matched his posture — dignified, clear, and fearless.
“I joined President William Samoei Ruto and other leaders during the centenary celebrations of the PAG Church at its Nyang’ori headquarters,” he said, hailing the church for marking a century of service, which he described as “a remarkable milestone that deserves great recognition.”
The Senator backed the church’s appeal to be granted a university charter, declaring:
“I strongly support the idea that the PAG Church should be awarded a charter to establish and run a university. Giving PAG a university charter would be a significant boost to our county, as it would make Vihiga home to two universities and greatly enhance access to higher education.”
But even as he celebrated the milestone, Osotsi shifted to the pressing issues weighing on Vihiga people.
“However, even as we celebrate this progress, I must express my deep concern over the growing insecurity in Vihiga. The situation has led to unnecessary loss of lives and it is worsening by the day, calling for urgent action to restore safety and protect our people.”
On healthcare, he challenged the President to move beyond promises:
“As we continue to support SHA, we must acknowledge that it faces notable challenges. I call upon the President to intervene and help resolve the issues hindering the smooth operation of the new scheme so that our people can enjoy better healthcare services.”
He further warned that Vihiga residents feel sidelined by stalled government projects:
“It is worrying that government projects and other pledges in our region remain at the lowest levels of implementation, making many residents feel that Vihiga is being sidelined in matters of development.”
And in closing, Osotsi reaffirmed his pragmatic, unifying politics:
“Finally, I want to affirm that we are now part of the broad-based government because my party leader Raila Odinga has endorsed the plan. We stand committed to working together for the unity and prosperity of our nation and the well-being of our people.”
This is the kind of leadership that Vihiga longs for. Not sycophancy. Not cowardice. But bold, pragmatic, issue-based leadership.
Osotsi’s star is only rising. The future is bright for the son of Khasakhala, the fearless former MP. He has inherited that bold streak and is shaping it into a political destiny that could well place him as the future Luhya kingpin.
Vihiga needs a lion, not lambs. And in Hon. Godfrey Osotsi, the next Governor of Vihiga County, that lion roars.
