ODM 20th Anniversary Celebration Turns Messy as Governor Otuoma Accused of Paying Dancers KSh 20,000 to Smear Arthur Osiya
On Friday, February 28, 2025, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) marked its 20th anniversary with grand celebrations at Bukiri Primary School in Funyula Constituency, Busia County.
The event attracted key party figures, including ODM leader Raila Odinga, host Governor Paul Otuoma, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, and other prominent dignitaries.
However, what was meant to be a momentous occasion for ODM supporters took a controversial turn when a song targeting Principal Administrative Secretary in the Executive Office of the President, Arthur Osiya, sent shockwaves through the gathering.
The lyrics of the song, titled Dr. Otuoma, Vukiwmi Vya Dira, Osiya Siyariona, loosely translated to Dr. Otuoma, Osiya has been afflicted with HIV/AIDS and will not recover, sparking outrage among those in attendance.
Many interpreted the song as an underhanded political attack, signaling the brewing battle for the 2027 Busia gubernatorial race.
A spot check by Kenyan Report uncovered startling claims from one of the dancers involved in the performance.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, the dancer revealed that they had been paid KSh 20,000 to perform the song and capture attention during the event.
“We were told to sing the song repeatedly to ensure it left a mark,” the source disclosed.
Reactions from the crowd and online spaces were swift, with many ODM supporters condemning the act.
“This is the lowest level of politics we’ve seen in ODM. Instead of development conversations, we are entertaining smear campaigns?” lamented a party supporter.
Another attendee, a local ODM official, remarked, “Osiya’s growing political influence is clearly unsettling some people. This song was meant to undermine him, but it has only made him more popular.”
