Raila’s Headache: Allies Scramble for ODM Leadership Positions Amidst Rising Tensions
A significant conflict is brewing within the ODM party as key allies of opposition leader Raila Odinga vie for top leadership roles.
Raila, who is heavily engaged in campaigning for his continental position, is confronted with the delicate task of managing rising tensions and addressing the concerns of crucial supporters.
Loyalty strongholds are engaged in fierce competition for influential leadership roles that have recently become vacant in the national office.
Disputes over the two deputy positions have led to internal strife among Raila’s close allies, revealing escalating friction within the ODM party.
The vacancies for these deputy roles arose after former Governors Wycliffe Oparanya of Kakamega and Hassan Joho of Mombasa resigned.
Both were appointed to Cabinet positions by President William Ruto in his inclusive government.
Gossipa2z.com reports that Raila confirmed on Monday that the deputy party leader positions would not be available to the Kisii and Nyamira regions.
Instead, these positions are reportedly reserved for Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi.
According to Raila, this decision is meant to maintain party stability based on a previously agreed-upon regional formula for equitable leadership distribution.
Raila made these comments during a meeting with party leaders from Kisii and Nyamira, including Kisii Governor Simba Arati, at a Nairobi hotel.
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Arati, who is currently the ODM vice chairperson, had recently intensified his behind-the-scenes efforts to secure the deputy party leader position.
The meeting did not reveal specific names of the Kisii leaders, but Raila indicated that the appointees would hold the roles on an interim basis until Joho and Oparanya return before 2027.
Raila assured the Kisii delegation, which included elected ODM MPs from Kisii and Nyamira, that both former leaders would return.
Supporters from Nairobi and Western Kenya have backed Arati for one of the positions, highlighting his effective grassroots mobilization as an asset to the party.
“Arati has been a steadfast member of the party and has significantly contributed to its growth, both in Nairobi as an MP and currently in Kisii county,” said Makadara MP George Aladwa on Sunday.
“He is a great listener and works closely with the youth. We urge our Party leader Raila Odinga to consider Governor Arati for this role.”
The competition for the vacant deputy party leader positions has intensified at the Coast, creating potential divisions within ODM.
Two candidates have emerged for the role previously held by Joho, who is now the Mining and Blue Economy CS nominee.
The contenders are Nassir and Kilifi’s Gideon Mung’aro, both party members with varying political and financial strengths.
Political leaders are rallying behind these candidates, each advocating for their preferred choice.
In Mombasa, Nassir has received support from Jomvu MP Badi Twalib, who pledged to defend him for his contributions to the county, even if it means standing alone.
Conversely, Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi, representing Mung’aro’s interests, argued that Kilifi deserves a top party position.
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“Mombasa has held the seat for 10 years. Is it unreasonable for us to also have a chance? We deserve a turn at the position,” she said.
The National Chairman position is also vacant following John Mbadi’s nomination as the National Treasury and Planning Cabinet Secretary.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga is rumored to be a candidate for this role to counterbalance UDA’s Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, who serves as their chairperson.
High-profile candidates like Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ and Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina are vying for the position.
Kajwang’ noted that holding the National Chairman role would be a historic achievement, particularly as he would be representing a region with strong ODM support, and honoring his late brother, former Homa Bay Senator Otieno Kajwang’.
“If elected, it would be a significant victory for Kenya’s youth, as they would be represented at the highest level within ODM,” Kajwang’ said.
Ole Kina, who is also competing for the national chairman position, emphasized his readiness to enhance the party’s vigor and effectiveness in holding the government accountable.
“I am prepared to make our party more dynamic and effective in its oversight role, and I believe I am the right candidate for ODM National Chairman,” he stated.
Raila’s Headache: Allies Scramble for ODM Leadership Positions Amidst Rising Tensions
