ODM is Bigger Than Me, Raila Odinga Says as He Prepares Troops for Possible Exit
ODM leader Raila Odinga emphasized yesterday that the party is more significant than himself and is focused on Kenyans’ interests. He is making preparations for his possible departure if he secures the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC) in the upcoming elections.
At the party’s National Governing Council meeting held at the Bomas of Kenya, where delegates revised the party’s constitution to enhance governance, Mr. Odinga stated, “My time in leadership is not permanent, but ODM must endure.”
“We agree that we need a band of young men and women to align the party with the changing interests of Kenyans, with a particular focus on economic empowerment.
“Most importantly, we need a team whose sole focus is to take this party to power. ODM must govern. The party must govern,” said Mr Odinga.
He said, “ODM must move forward. ODM needs a new army of committed and fearless men and women who can envision a more powerful mass political movement at a time when many of our people are disillusioned with political parties because of unfulfilled campaign promises.”
Mr. Odinga mentioned he won’t be in power indefinitely and emphasized the importance of the party’s continuity. He compared it to Tanzania’s Chama Cha Mapinduzi party.
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“When Nyerere left CCM, the party lived on. From Nyerere to Mwinyi, Mkapa, Kikwete, my friend Magufuli, and now Mama Samia Suluhu, CCM remains strong and that’s what we want ODM to emulate,” the ODM leader said.
The ODM National Governing Council (NGC), the party’s second most senior body, has proposed a change to Article 61 of the party’s constitution. This amendment would involve replacing the National Elections Board (NEB) with a restructured three-member National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC).
Ms. Emily Awita will take on the role of chair for the NECC, while Mr. Richard Tairo and Ms. Beatrice Askul will serve as members.
They were sworn in at the event in Bomas yesterday.
“The Council also resolved to amend Article 53 of its Constitution to include the Secretary for Political Affairs in the Central Committee with additional functions of oversight and dispute resolution.”
Mr. Opiyo Wandayi, Secretary for Political Affairs, will handle all aspects of political affairs, which includes recognizing, evaluating, and keeping track of political trends and new issues as they relate to carrying out the party’s agendas.
The office will carry out impact evaluations and propose potential approaches, strategies, and policies to the Central Committee to address key issues and further the party’s goals.
The role will include establishing and nurturing cooperative ties with businesses, political figures, community leaders, civil society participants, and both domestic and global partners regarding policy issues. It will also involve evaluating the popularity of party members to help the party choose appropriate candidates for national elections.
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Mr. Odinga was accompanied by the party’s senior leaders at the council, such as deputy leaders Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya, secretary general Edwin Sifuna, and treasurer Timothy Bosire.
The NGC is composed of all members of the National Executive Committee, all County Coordinating Committee Chairs, all Branch Executive Committee Chairs, all members of the Party’s Parliamentary Group, all members of the Party’s Council of Governors, and all members of the National Electoral Commission.
The list includes the majority and minority leaders of county assemblies, the heads of party standing committees, all national officials of the ODM Women League, all national officials of the ODM Youth League, and all national officials of the ODM Disabled League.
“We must prepare this party to deliver on the big visions we have for this country, which have been delivered in bits and pieces. So today I call on our people to stop mourning and start organizing. Stop mourning and start mobilizing. Stay strong and start moving forward and we move forward together as one,” Mr Odinga said.
Mr Odinga also lashed out at President Ruto’s ruling party.
“We know the huge damage the ruling party is doing to the country. We have to start refining our alternative and renewing our politics,” he said.
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He emphasized that Kenya Kwanza must understand that the ODM party will not permit the reversal of the reforms it has worked hard to achieve.
“This is one of the running battles that the new office must prepare to go to war with the government. It is therefore important that as we go through these exercises, we remain clear on who the enemy is and what the battle will be like,” Mr Odinga added.
He stated that the elections scheduled for April 27 by the party should allow members to rejuvenate the organization.
“I wish all those who have shown interest in the various positions well, especially at the grassroots where our party draws its strength. As I have said before, this is and must be a friendly contest. It must unite the party, not divide it. It must strengthen the party, not weaken it. It must be fought on the platforms of ODM policies, ideology, and beliefs, not tribe, race, gender, religion, or region,” Mr Odinga said.
He cautioned that the party will take strict action against those who attempt to use tribal, gender, regional, religious, or racial tactics and personal attacks to gain leadership positions.
“We have painstakingly built this party into a truly national liberation mass movement. It is too late and futile to try to turn it into a tribal or regional outfit. All our actions and utterances must reflect this reality.
“I particularly appeal to and encourage women to take up leadership positions. I promise to protect and defend their right to leadership. The gender agenda must start here in the party”.
ODM is Bigger Than Me, Raila Odinga Says as He Prepares Troops for Possible Exit