ODM lawmakers scramble for minority leader position

Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo. [File, Standard]

The battle for the National Assembly Minority Leader position is gaining momentum as ODM lawmakers line up to replace Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi.

Potential candidates are lobbying to lead the opposition in the National Assembly.

Wandayi is expected to vacate the seat after President William Ruto nominated him as Energy  Cabinet Secretary.

Among those eyeing the post are Saboti MP Caleb Amisi and Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo.

Party insiders claim that Suna East MP Junet Mohamed is also keen to replace Wandayi.

Yesterday, Amisi's bid received a boost after a section of party stalwarts from the North Rift and Bungoma region threw their weight behind him.

Speaking in Kitale, Trans Nzoia ODM Secretary John Simiyu urged the party legislators to back the Saboti MP for the post.

Simiyu said Amisi has been steadfast and loyal to the party and deserves the position.

“Amisi has been resilient, steadfast, committed, and loyal to the Orange party. He has actively participated in party programmes both inside and outside Parliament, including protests against oppressive governments,” he said.

The official noted that the deputy Minority Leader position was previously held by Trans Nzoia through Ford Kenya’s Dr Chris Wamalwa under the defunct National Super Alliance (NASA) and it is now time from region to take up the Minority Leader post through Amisi.

“As ODM in Trans Nzoia, we hope our party leader, Raila Odinga, will recognise his strong support base in the North Rift, particularly in Trans Nzoia county, by appointing Amisi as Minority Leader to replace Wandayi,” said Simiyu.

Another party official Aineah Masinde, declared support for Amisi saying he has remained a staunch supporter of ODM leader Raila Odinga even during difficult times.

Trans Nzoia ODM women leader Dorothy Aliuba said the Saboti MP's Amisi’s contributions and loyalty ought to be rewarded.

“It is also noteworthy that most ODM MPs from Western hold significant leadership positions in Parliament. The delay in acknowledging Amisi’s role is perplexing. We wonder how long we will continue to overlook this dedicated young MP,” Aliuba said.

The leaders said that Amisi, was the only ODM MP in the North Rift to be re-elected amidst intense political competition and has demonstrated his dedication to Raila through his recent performance in the presidential campaigns in Trans Nzoia.

Yesterday, however, a female ODM MP from Nyanza told The Standard that they will rally behind Ms Odhiambo.

She said time has come for the party to pick women for top leadership positions.

"We believe Millie is experienced and has the capacity to lead the opposition in the National Assembly. We will rally behind her candidature," she said.

In a social media post, the Suba North MP declared interest in the Minority Leader post saying she has what it takes to replace Wandayi.

- Additional reporting by Harold Odhiambo