Nyanza Leaders Rally Behind Opiyo Wandayi for Raila Succession
A faction of supporters from Raila Odinga’s political base in Nyanza are advocating for National Assembly Minority Leader Mr. Opiyo Wandayi to lead them if Raila Odinga secures the chairmanship of the African Union Commission.
As per the lawmakers, the Luo community must have a voice in the party’s leadership when Mr. Odinga is not present.
They are also adamant that any prospective political alliance set for 2027 must secure either the presidency or deputy presidency positions at the very least, according to their demands.
On Saturday, during the funeral of Tobias Lusi Oyoo (commonly known as Tobby) from Wang’aya sub-location in North East Kano Location, held at Magare Village in Muhoroni sub-county, leaders delivered speeches. Toby was the sibling of Mr. James Onyango K’oyoo, who serves as the Member of Parliament for Muhoroni.
The funeral was joined by Mr. Opiyo Wandayi, the head of the Minority Party in the National Assembly, along with Mr. Samuel Atandi representing Alego Usonga, Mr. Anthony Oluoch from Mathare, Dr. James Nyikal representing Seme, Jared Okello from Nyando, and Dr. Joshua Oron representing Kisumu Central.
Mr. Atandi initiated the discussion regarding the succession of Raila, asserting that no one, even among the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition, can adequately fill the opposition leader’s shoes.
He did mention that there are competent leaders within the Luo community who can stabilize and guide the situation.
“If Raila is going to the AU, we must have one of us from this region to steer the ODM party. Opiyo Wandayi you are our leader, do not fear, remain steadfast, and go battle it out with others and lead us,” said Mr Atandi.
His feelings surfaced amidst emerging reports of two factions vying to succeed Mr. Odinga.
Supporters of Mr. Odinga are aligning themselves with either former Governor Ali Hassan Joho or former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, both of whom hold positions as Deputy Party Leaders within the ODM.
Mr. Atandi affirmed that they still hold leadership positions within the opposition and will persist in holding the President William Ruto-led administration accountable, citing the insufficient efforts being made to benefit the people of Kenya.
Muhoroni MP Mr. K’oyoo voiced similar feelings and supported Mr. Wandayi.
“I am working for Raila Odinga through Wandayi because he is sober and a very committed leader,” said Mr K’oyoo.
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He alleged that certain leaders within the party were exploiting it to secure positions, only to later abandon Mr. Odinga and collaborate with their rivals.
However, Dr. Nyikal urged for prudence, noting that the primary concern within the Luo community is that Mr. Odinga might secure a more suitable position than the one advocated for by the public.
He urged his fellow leaders to refrain from internal conflicts as they gear up for political candidacy. He emphasized the importance of community cohesion for the year 2027.
“When your father goes away to work away from home, he doesn’t leave a vacuum, his sons remain behind to take care of the home until he returns.
“Wandayi is our leader in Azimio Coalition and parliament and John Mbadi is the ODM Chairman, so we should not be worried that the party will be weak, it will not,” said Dr Nyikal who is also the chair of the Luo caucus in parliament.
Dr. Oron from Kisumu Central recounted the sequence of events: Upon my entry into the assembly, two weeks later Mr. Odinga appointed Mr. Wandayi as their leader.
“We were given Wandayi as our leader in parliament with a reason. So those who were saying Raila is going to AU and we have been left without a leader are mistaken. Wandayi is here,” said Dr Oron.
The Nyando representative, Mr. Okello, reiterated that Mr. Odinga retains his position as the leader of the ODM party regardless of his location.
He emphasized that any discussion about succession within the party or coalition must include a representative from the Luo community. He asserted that both he and Mr. Wandayi were qualified to lead the opposition.
“Nothing stops Jakom from leading the party while in AU. But when we plan for 2027 and Mr Odinga is here or in Addis Ababa, as a community we will only enter into a political marriage that places us at the top position or second in command and nothing less,” said Mr Okello.
However, when he stood up to address the audience, Mr. Wandayi avoided discussing the topic and instead encouraged party supporters to stay loyal to ODM and stand behind Mr. Odinga.
He decided to confront Dr. Ruto directly regarding the recent scandals that have shaken his administration.
Mr. Wandayi urged President William Ruto to promptly tackle the corruption in the education sector, the controversy surrounding fake fertilizer, and the ongoing doctors’ strike. He emphasized that the president should take direct action on these pressing issues instead of relying on cabinet secretaries, given the failure of previous discussions between unions and the ministry.
“We are not sure come Monday what the situation will look like next Monday when doctors continue with the strike. Where we have reached, Ruto must lead the negotiations with the unions and not delegate this delicate task to ministers and senior government officials. If the health sector collapses there will be no country to talk about,” said Mr Wandayi.
He raised doubts about the NCPB’s handling of counterfeit fertilizer and seeds, urging the relevant Cabinet Secretaries to step down to restore integrity to the agricultural industry.
Nyanza Leaders Rally Behind Opiyo Wandayi for Raila Succession