Orange Democratic Movement in bid to revamp party, appoint new official

By ROSELYNE OBALA

Kenya: Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is in the process of restructuring its organs in a bid to restructure and make the party more vibrant.

The party is expected to name its new executive director in a fortnight to replace Senator Janet Ong’era who resigned after she was nominated to the Senate.

Ten candidates have made to the final list.

They include, among others, Caesar Asiyo, Kenneth Butiko, Magerer Langat, John Kiema, Betty Syengo and Dr Musungu.

National Assembly deputy Minority Leader Jakoyo Midiwo had earlier explained that the search for a candidate to fill the position had intensified.

Midiwo disclosed that there was a competitive and professional employment exercise underway to replace Senator Ong’era.

But speaking to The Standard, an ODM official who sought anonymity confirmed that 50 people had applied for the position.

A panel of eight professionals with vast experience and some ODM MPs are set to vet shortlisted applicants. “These experts have vast knowledge in party management and are tasked with the duty to select the person who merits,” said the source.

He continued: “ Out of the 50 names, 46 were forwarded to a Human Resource consultancy firm which came up with the ten names.”

He revealed that the names shortlisted by the panel would be forwarded to the relevant party organs for appointment.

“After the interviews, the panel will deliberate and the best candidate picked,” he explained.

Apart from the executive director’s position, the selected panel will also be in charge of coming up with new structures.

They party will also hire more staff at the headquarters to assist MPs in research and other activities.

“We want out party to remain the most preferred one in the country,” he stressed.