ODM Showdown: Raila Odinga’s ‘Exit’ Sparks Fierce Battle for Top Spot
ODM chief Raila Odinga is encountering a significant challenge as his party prepares for local elections next month amidst an intense struggle for succession.
Mr. Odinga’s pursuit of the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship has sparked a highly competitive race for the leadership position. Senior officials are actively strategizing to use party elections as an opportunity to position their allies, anticipating a potential shift in power if the former premier successfully secures the position.
ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna affirmed to Gossipa2z.com on Wednesday that there are no alterations to the party’s scheduled April elections.
“Nothing has changed in our plan. The party elections will be on from April 1,” said Mr Sifuna.
Wycliffe Oparanya, the Deputy Party Leader of ODM, expressed his intention to maintain his current role and has outlined his aspirations to take over the leadership of the party in case Mr. Odinga withdraws from local politics.
Mr. Oparanya and the former Governor of Mombasa, Hassan Joho, serve as co-deputies to Mr. Odinga.
“If he succeeds in his AU bid and may not be available to play local politics, I will ask for the party leadership. I know there could be other people who are also interested,” said Mr Oparanya.
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Nevertheless, he refuted the existence of divisions within the party.
Mr. John, who had been noticeably absent from the political arena, has recently made a comeback by announcing his candidacy for the 2027 presidential election under the ODM party.
“I’m done with Mombasa politics. I want to be President. I’ve heard some people say they will also be going for the presidency; I also want to tell them that I’ll be in the race,” Mr Joho declared in the presence of Mr Odinga.
Insiders from the political party suggest internal conflicts between Mr. Joho and Mr. Oparanya, with National Assembly Minority Whip Junet Mohammed reportedly aligning with Mr. Joho.
The contest for succession is expected to extend into the grassroots elections of the party, as each faction aims to place their supporters in crucial party roles.
Likewise, in Luo Nyanza politics, a fierce contest for power is underway as prominent figures vie for the position currently held by Mr. Odinga.
Opiyo Wandayi, the Minority Leader in the National Assembly, and John Mbadi, the National Chairman of ODM, are among the notable figures being considered as potential successors to Mr. Odinga in the area.
On Thursday of the previous week, the leaders held an unofficial gathering of Luo Nyanza MPs, commonly referred to as “Duol,” at Mr. Wandayi’s parliamentary office. The agenda included discussions on the well-being of the community and the potential departure of Mr. Odinga from regional politics.
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Present at the event were Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, who is the older sibling of Mr. Odinga, Mr. Wandayi, Mr. Mbadi, Ruaraka MP TJ Kajwang’, and several others.
Dr. Oburu reportedly played down the raised concerns about Mr. Odinga potentially leaving, reassuring the politicians that there would not be any void in leadership.
Dr. Oburu stated that Mr. Wandayi will persist in commanding the Opposition forces in Parliament, thanks to his role as the minority leader. Meanwhile, Mr. Mbadi will concentrate on fortifying the party in his capacity as the chairman.
Based on the information we received, a gathering was scheduled in Parklands, Nairobi, last week, exclusively for Dr. Oginga, Mr. Wandayi, and Mr. Mbadi.
Nevertheless, the gathering did not occur after Mrs. Odinga, Ida, made a statement at a public event in Suba South Constituency that seemed to support Mr. Mbadi as the prospective leader in Luo Nyanza.
“Mbadi, for all these years that Baba [Mr Odinga] has trained you, do you still need more training? Aren’t you capable? That is where Baba’s heart is.” Ms Ida had said on February 23 in Nyandiwa.
In September of the previous year, Dr. Oginga subtly expressed support for Mr. Wandayi to assume leadership in the event of Mr. Odinga stepping back from the political scene.
“Leaders grow like mushrooms. That is how Opiyo Wandayi is growing and nothing will stop him from being the top leader. These are the people who will now lead us and give us direction,” Dr Oginga had said.
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He subsequently withdrew his statement and disavowed any endorsement of Mr. Wandayi.
“My statements have been misinterpreted,” the senator said, adding that the insinuation “should be disregarded.”
The current campaign to register new members has brought to light the underlying regional power conflict, which involves existing officeholders, particularly governors, and other leaders vying for their positions.
In January, Mr. Odinga observed tumultuous events in Busia, where Governor Paul Otuoma faced heckling due to accusations of his purported connections to the ruling Kenya Kwanza Alliance. This incident was associated with the anticipated competition for the party ticket in the 2027 elections.
Mr. Odinga’s endeavor in 2014 to conduct party elections at Nairobi’s Kasarani stadium was disrupted when a faction of young individuals invaded the venue, leading to the cancellation of the event.
It was subsequently asserted that the young individuals were recruited by high-ranking members of the party to thwart “efforts from external sources” to seize control by strategically placing their supporters in crucial roles.
ODM Showdown: Raila Odinga’s ‘Exit’ Sparks Fierce Battle for Top Spot
