Inside Raila’s Meeting with Kisii ODM Leaders: Clash Over Regional Representation and Cabinet Appointments
A turbulent discussion between ODM leader Raila Odinga and party officials from the Gusii region failed to address crucial concerns that have recently sparked controversy.
The meeting, held at a Nairobi hotel, followed an August 1 gathering where ODM politicians strategized after the region was overlooked for Cabinet positions.
During their meeting with Raila on Monday, regional leaders, including elected MPs and party officials, sought clarification from the ODM leader.
Their first point of contention was the allocation of minority leadership roles in the National Assembly, which were predominantly filled by MPs from Luo Nyanza.
The leaders also questioned Raila about the lack of Cabinet positions for the Gusii region, which were distributed to ODM by President William Ruto.
In addition, there were grievances about the perceived unfair distribution of top-party leadership positions, leaving the two counties inadequately represented.
Raila responded by minimizing these concerns, urging the ODM MPs to consider the complex regional balancing act the party must manage.
“The positions are allocated to ensure regional equilibrium without excluding any community,” Raila reportedly said on Monday.
He denied any neglect of the Gusii region, emphasizing that both Kisii and Nyamira hold significant importance for him.
Nevertheless, Raila promised to review some issues regarding the allocation of leadership roles in the House, following complaints from MPs about limited committee placements.
For example, MPs like Obadiah Barongo from Bomachoge Borabu expressed frustration over being assigned to fewer committees compared to their ODM counterparts.
Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi requested consideration for the Minority leadership position currently designated for Suna East’s Junet Mohamed.
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Raila remained non-committal, suggesting that there would likely be no changes in House leadership positions as determined by the Central Management Committee.
“We will review the situation and explore ways to balance committee assignments,” Raila reportedly told the MPs.
The meeting included Kisii Governor Simba Arati and ODM National Treasurer Timothy Bosire, along with MPs Anthony Kibagendi (Kitutu Chache South), Okong’o Omogeni (Nyamira Senator), Cleve Gisairo (Kitutu Masaba), Obadiah Barongo (Bomachoge Borabu), Patrick Osero (Borabu), and nominated MP Irere Mayaka.
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka and Nyaribari Masaba MP Daniel Manduku, both ODM members, were absent from the meeting, as they were from an earlier preparatory meeting on August 1.
There is growing unrest among ODM leaders from Kisii and Nyamira counties regarding perceived bias, especially after the region was excluded from the party’s Cabinet slots.
There are concerns that this dissatisfaction could undermine Raila’s efforts to strengthen support in the Gusii region, particularly as he pursues the African Union Commission chairperson position.
Luo Nyanza, Raila’s stronghold, secured two Cabinet Secretary positions, including John Mbadi (National Treasury) and Opiyo Wandayi (Ugunja), while Kisii and Nyamira were left out of the ODM Cabinet share.
The remaining Cabinet slots went to Hassan Joho (former Mombasa governor), Wycliffe Oparanya (former Kakamega governor), and Beatrice Askul from Turkana County.
President Ruto selected Migosi Ogamba from Kisii County for the Education Cabinet Secretary role, pending National Assembly approval.
ODM leaders are concerned that Ogamba’s nomination could bolster UDA’s position in the region, potentially weakening Raila’s influence as he focuses on his AUC bid.
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In addition to Cabinet roles, the Gusii ODM leaders are frustrated by their further exclusion from top National Assembly leadership positions following the CS nominations.
With Wandayi’s promotion to CS, Suna East MP Junet Mohamed was appointed to replace him in his previous role.
Millie Odhiambo from Suba North will assume Junet’s minority whip position in the National Assembly, following changes announced by ODM’s Central Management Committee on August 31.
After Wandayi was appointed CS for Energy and Petroleum, Kibagendi expressed interest in succeeding him as National Assembly Minority Whip.
“I am an ODM elected legislator with a consistent track record of defending the party and advancing the Azimio coalition’s agenda,” Kibagendi stated on his X account on July 26, advocating for regional balance in ODM’s leadership.
Concerns are rising that ODM’s support in the region could diminish if the party does not address the grievances of its Gusii leaders.
Reports suggest that a new leadership formula for ODM could further marginalize Kisii and Nyamira counties, with Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi potentially becoming the new deputy party leaders, succeeding Joho and Oparanya.
Inside Raila’s Meeting with Kisii ODM Leaders: Clash Over Regional Representation and Cabinet Appointments
