Raila Holds Key Talks with Two ODM Leaders in Party Succession Battle
Raila Odinga, the ODM party leader, held a crucial meeting in Mombasa on July 31 with two gubernatorial candidates seeking significant party roles.
This gathering occurred as top ODM officials prepared to resign and join President William Ruto’s administration.
The ODM is grappling with an internal crisis as key leaders plan to leave for President William Ruto’s ‘broad-based government’, potentially sparking internal disputes over succession.
Odinga’s meeting with Kisii and Mombasa County governors, Simba Arati and Abduswamad Shariff Nassir, is a strategic move to prevent a party leadership struggle.
The party faces upheaval with former governors Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya, along with National Chairman John Mbadi, who are preparing to resign from cabinet positions. Opiyo Wandayi, the party’s Political Affairs Secretary and National Assembly Minority Leader is also expected to step down.
Odinga has applied for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship. A successful bid would likely shift his focus away from local politics, intensifying the lobbying for key ODM positions.
Potential candidates for the two deputy party leader slots include governors Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay), Simba Arati (Kisii), Abdulswamad Nassir (Mombasa), and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi.
Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’, vying for the party chairman role, emphasized the need for new leadership to engage the youth.
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“We must lead with vision and dedication,” Arati said after he met with Odinga. “As a governor and party leader, I am ready to meet our people’s expectations and elevate ODM.”
Nassir highlighted ODM’s enduring ideology and commitment to Kenya. “There is never a vacuum in ideology. ODM is built to last, for the nation, not just individuals.”
Senator Kajwang’ urged the party to focus on the youth, stating, “ODM has been appealing to a loyal but aging base. We must now connect with Gen Z and reflect this in our leadership.”
Kajwang’s bid for chairman faces competition from Narok Senator Ledama Olekina. “I am the right candidate and will seek support from our members,” Olekina stated.
Arati, the current ODM deputy chairperson, expressed his readiness to compete for the position.
Osotsi commented on the opportunity for ODM to reinvent itself amid the changes, positioning as a progressive party.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has announced his ambition for the party leader role if Odinga secures the AUC position.
“My track record in Parliament speaks for itself,” Owino asserted. However, analysts warned that the departure of top officials could weaken ODM, despite the party’s confidence in its resilience.
Raila Holds Key Talks with Two ODM Leaders in Party Succession Battle
