Battle drawn as ODM MPs eye post of minority leader

ODM leader Raila Odinga consults with Suna East MP Junet Mohamed during the party's central committee meeting in Nairobi on May 8, 2024. [Collins Oduor, Standard]

Several ODM MPs are lining up to take over the National Assembly Minority Leader position that is set to fall vacant following the nomination of Opiyo Wandayi as Energy Cabinet Secretary.

Suna East MP Junet Mohammed, Suba North MP Milly Odhiambo, Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi, Seme MP James Nyikal, Makadara MP George Aladwa and Nyando MP Jared Okello have been mentioned as possible replacements.

Junet who is a close ally of ODM leader Raila Odinga has been said to be a favourite and stands a high chance of bagging the seat given that he is serving a third term as Suna East MP. Junet also comes from Migori County, which is considered to have missed major seats in the recent government appointments.

Milly who is serving a fourth term in parliament has made it very clear that she is interested in the Minority Leader position and was not ready to deputise anyone. She leverages on the gender card, her experience in parliament and her loyalty to the ODM Party.

If she clinches the position, she will be one of the senior female leaders in parliament. Currently National Assembly Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss is the senior female leader in the house.

Kibagendi on his part said that he is seeking the position as a representative of the youth in parliament's top leadership and also the Gusii region which has not benefitted much in the present cabinet appointments. “I am very sure that the ODM Party legislators will support me for this position since I have defended the party in and outside parliament and believe I have what it takes to the next National Assembly Minority Leader,” said Kibagendi.

Amollo has been representing the party leadership in various legal matters earning the trust of Raila.

Nyikal and Okello who both hail from Kisumu County are each angling for the seat since they feel that their county has not gotten any seat in the recent appointments in government and that it would be unfair to reward legislators from counties that have already benefitted with other key positions.

Aladwa who is the ODM Nairobi County Chairman is banking on having consistently championed for the interests of the party inside and outside parliament says his unwavering commitment and courage in advocating for ODM values underscores his ability to hold the position.