The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has unveiled former Nairobi Mayor Geoffrey Majiwa (pictured) as its nominee for Nairobi County deputy speaker’s position.
Mr Majiwa is expected to replace incumbent John Kamangu as part of an agreement between the Jubilee Party and ODM. In the agreement, Jubilee Party was to take the Speaker's position while the deputy's seat goes to a candidate from the Orange party.
In the same breath, ODM has conducted a reshuffle of its leadership at the Nairobi County Assembly and membership at the Assembly Service Board.
The changes were communicated through a letter dated August 18, 2020, and signed by the Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and National Chairperson John Mbadi.
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“In line with the ongoing efforts to create a harmonious environment in the House, the Party’s Central Committee has made the following changes in regards to the minority leadership. The changes are to take effect immediately,” read the letter.
Deal with Jubilee
The letter was addressed to Nairobi County Assembly Speaker Bernard Mutura and the Majority Leader Abdi Guyo.
In the changes, Embakasi MCA Michael Ogada has been appointed the new minority leader, replacing Karen MCA David Mberia. He will be deputised by nominated MCA Melab Atema, who takes over from Hospital MCA Patrick Musili of the Wiper party.
Makongeni MCA Peter Imwatok has, however, retained his position as the minority whip, same to his deputy Kilimani MCA Moses Ogeto.
A shake-up has also been conducted at the Assembly service board, with nominated MCA Catherine Okoth appointed to represent ODM at the board, replacing Nairobi West MCA Maurice Gari.
Mr Gari has, however, been appointed as the new chair of the assembly’s ICT committee. Nominated MCA Nimo Haji has been appointed the new deputy chair of the assembly’s Finance, Budget and Appropriations Committee, replacing Mr Ogada.
Mr Sifuna confirmed that the decision to pick Majiwa as the deputy speaker-designate was part of a deal with Jubilee Party to give them the deputy speaker’s position in return for their support during the Speaker’s election.
“Jubilee promised to give us the position and so we have picked Majiwa as designate,” he said.
