Raila Odinga, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader, convened a high-stakes meeting in Mombasa on Wednesday, July 31, with two gubernatorial candidates eyeing key party positions. This meeting is set against the backdrop of impending resignations from top ODM officials poised to join President William Ruto’s government.
The ODM faces a significant internal challenge as some of its top leaders are set to resign to join President William Ruto’s ‘broad-based government’. This move could potentially ignite internal squabbles over succession.
Odinga’s strategic meeting with the governors of Kisii and Mombasa Counties, Simba Arati and Abduswamad Shariff Nassir, is his political move to avert a scramble that could topple the party.
The party’s internal dynamics are on the brink of upheaval as former governors Hassan Joho (Mombasa) and Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega), along with National Chairman John Mbadi, prepare to resign their posts to assume Cabinet roles. Opiyo Wandayi, the party’s Secretary for Political Affairs and current National Assembly Minority Leader, is also expected to vacate his position.
Odinga, meanwhile, has submitted his application for the prestigious African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship. A successful bid would likely distance him from domestic politics, prompting a robust lobbying effort for key ODM positions.
Among the names being floated for the two deputy party leader slots are governors Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay), Simba Arati (Kisii), Abdullswamad Nassir (Mombasa), and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi. Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’, aiming for the party chairman role, emphasised the need for fresh leadership to engage the younger generation.
A collage of ODM chief Raila Odinga (Center), with Governors Abdulswamad Nassir (Left) and Simba Arati (Right).
“We must lead with vision and dedication,” stated Arati after the meeting with Odinga. “As a governor and a party leader, I am ready to meet the expectations of our people and elevate ODM to new heights.”
Nassir echoed this sentiment, highlighting ODM’s enduring ideology and its commitment to the Kenyan people. “There is never a vacuum in ideology. ODM’s structure is built to last, not for individuals but for the nation.”
Senator Kajwang’ has called for the party to pivot towards the youth, stating, “ODM has been addressing a loyal but ageing base. We must now speak to Gen Z and reflect this shift in our leadership.” His bid for the chairman position faces competition from Narok Senator Ledama Olekina. “I am the right candidate for this role and will seek our members’ support,” stated Olekina.
Arati, currently the ODM deputy chairperson, expressed readiness to compete vigorously for the position. Osotsi remarked on the opportunity for ODM to reinvent itself amidst the current changes, positioning itself as a progressive party.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has also declared his ambition for the party leader position, contingent on Odinga securing the AUC role. “My track record in Parliament speaks for itself,” Owino asserted. Analysts, however, warned that the departure of top officials could weaken ODM, despite the party’s confidence in its resilience.
