ODM Deputy Leader Osotsi Lashes Out at Ruto Over Heckling of Governor Otichillo

Godfrey Osotsi addressed the recent heckling of Vihiga Governor Wilber Otichillo in the presence of President William Ruto at Luanda Market, terming it a ‘barbaric and unwise act’. 

Otichillo was heckled by area residents as he rose to speak during the opening of the Luanda Modern Market that was graced by Ruto.

“On behalf of the people of Luanda, I would like to send my appreciation..” Governor Ottichilo told the crowd before being completely overwhelmed by jeers. He eventually gave up and walked away.

It was suspected that the governor was heckled over the demolition of trader’s shops a day before Ruto’s visit. However, through a statement on Friday, Osotsi confirmed this, stating that the demolition was spearheaded by government officials after orders from the powers that be. 

“This heckling is attributed to the brutal and unnecessary demolition of traders’ stalls without adequate notice by the contractor and supervised by government officials to align to the presidential schedule,” Osotsi stated.

“It is unfortunate that Governor Wilber Otichillo became the victim of circumstances by angry locals due to the unprecedented omissions by the National Government,” he added.

The Vihiga Senator, who also serves as the Deputy Party Leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), criticised the Kenya Kwanza leadership present at the event for their lack of action as the drama unfolded. 

Osotsi called for the immediate compensation of the traders who were left counting their losses as a result of the uncoordinated demolitions. He also challenged the government to have better organisation of presidential functions to avoid a repeat of the same. 

Ososti further went on to condemn the incident, terming it an embarrassment to Vihiga and its people.

“I am deeply concerned and dismayed by the unfortunate happenings at the groundbreaking event of Luanda Modern Market on Wednesday. It is very sad that an event styled as a development tour was turned into a theatre of heckling, name-calling, and absurdity before the Head of State and his entourage,” Osotsi stated.

The senator castigated the act of mobilising hecklers, adding that it was an archaic practice that had no place in modern society. The senator called upon his fellow leaders to desist from spearheading political intolerance through the politics of heckling.

Ruto’s five-day tour of the Western region which has seen him launch numerous development projects while at the same time engaging in politics is set to end today.