Raila Odinga’s replacement in Azimio must come from ODM, James Orengo says
Siaya Governor James Orengo emphasized that if Mr. Raila Odinga secures the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC), the next leader of the Azimio la Umoja Coalition One Kenya Party should be from the Orange Democratic Movement.
Orengo stated that the future leadership of the coalition, post-Odinga, will be based on the strength of each party within the coalition.
This diminishes the likelihood of Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka automatically succeeding Odinga.
Orengo made these comments during the anniversary service for his nephew, also named James Orengo, at Sifuyo in West Ugenya.
“The selection of the next Azimio party leader is open for discussion; however, it must align with the party’s influence within the coalition. This is outlined not only in the standing orders but also in the Azimio instruments. The ODM party is a significant stakeholder in the coalition,” Orengo stated.
These remarks come as Azimio coalition members voiced displeasure when four senior officials were nominated to serve in President Ruto’s Cabinet, with the ruling party. Many felt the Orange party should officially join the government.
“The rules and standing orders in the national assembly and senate dictate that seat nominations in both houses depend on the political parties’ strength within the coalition. These same rules apply ‘mutatis mutandis,’ meaning the same principles used in the senate and national assembly govern how individual coalition member parties are allocated seats,” Orengo explained.
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Last year, as Odinga awaited the outcome of his bid for the AUC chair, there was speculation that the Wiper party leader might take over his position, especially after Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua indicated plans to leave the coalition.
Orengo argued that the national assembly positions held by Ugunja lawmakers Opiyo Wandayi and John Mbadi were meant for the Orange party, and thus, their replacements should also be from ODM.
“The leadership in the national assembly remains unchanged. The individuals nominated and accepted as CSs have been replaced by other ODM members,” Orengo added.
Orengo’s remarks, given his close association with Odinga, could strain the relationship between ODM and other coalition parties.
The decision to hold a national convention with the ruling party has upset other opposition parties and prompted Karua to express her intention to exit the coalition, calling her continued stay “untenable.”
This decision was conveyed in a letter to the Azimio coalition secretary-general by Narc Kenya acting secretary-general Asha Bashir.
“Please note that our continued stay in the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition is untenable due to current political developments,” Bashir wrote.
“Narc Kenya, through this letter, is giving notice to exit the Coalition as outlined in the exit clauses of the Coalition Agreement. This notice is effective immediately,” the letter continued.
Raila Odinga’s replacement in Azimio must come from ODM, James Orengo says
