Raila’s Last-Minute Switch: Why Governor Nyong’o Got the Top ODM Post
Intrigue is brewing over the appointment of Kisumu Governor Peter Anyang Nyong’o as chair of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party’s Central Committee meetings, as party leader Raila Odinga shifts his focus to his bid for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC).
Questions are being raised about the selection process for Governor Nyong’o and the decision to limit his role to chairing Central Committee meetings, rather than granting him the full party leadership role with broader decision-making authority typically associated with the position of party leader.
Recent developments have shed light on a last-minute change before the public announcement of Nyong’o as the party leader.
Ramogi TV has uncovered a twist that left the National Executive Committee (NEC) members with little choice but to follow the new direction.
A source, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed, “I was late to the meeting and my brother called me to say that they had overturned Jakom’s (Odinga) proposal for an interim party leadership appointment. Instead, they chose Anyang to be the party leader.”
The source, who made an unexpected entrance to the central committee meeting, demanded to see the press briefing prepared for Nyong’o’s appointment as party leader.
The source continued, “When I saw the resolution and press statement, it was evident that the party was in turmoil. I questioned what would happen if Jakom returns, and advised redefining Nyong’o’s role to prevent political tension if Odinga does not secure the AU position.”
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The committee subsequently redefined Nyong’o’s role, acknowledging that the professor would take on specific duties.
The party statement read, “…in light of the intensive campaign schedule for our Party Leader and the need for his focus, he has appointed H.E Peter Anyang Nyong’o, Governor of Kisumu, to chair any necessary Central Committee meetings during his absence.”
This decision later caused dissatisfaction among the party’s women’s league, who had been planning a farewell celebration for Odinga in Nairobi and were forced to postpone their event.
ODM had to clarify Nyong’o’s position after tensions escalated, with the party posting on X: “… CLARIFICATION: The ODM Party Leader is @RailaOdinga. However, due to the demands of the AUC Chairperson’s Campaign, he has appointed Prof @Anyang Nyongo, Governor of Kisumu County, to chair Central Management Committee meetings, which is the only party organ he chairs.”
Following these changes, there is uncertainty about how long it will take to fill the party leadership position if Odinga secures the top job in Africa. Siaya Governor James Orengo and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga are among the five candidates vying for the role.
Raila’s Last-Minute Switch: Why Governor Nyong’o Got the Top ODM Post
