Coast MPs back Nassir to take over as ODM deputy party leader

Governor Abdulswamad Nassir before Senate CPIC on February 26, 2024. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Coast Members of Parliament have rallied behind Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir to replace Hassan Joho as ODM deputy party leader. President William Ruto nominated Joho as Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary 

Kisii Governor Simba Arati and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi have also received support to take over as ODM deputy party leaders to replace Cooperatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary nominee Wycliffe Oparanya and Joho.

The Coast MPs who addressed journalists in Nairobi Wednesday, said that Nassir has what it takes to push the agenda of the party to the next level with the expected exit of party leader Raila Odinga who is seeking to be elected as the Africa Union Commission Chairperson.

Kwale Senator Issa Juma Boy, Kwale Woman Rep Fatuma Masito, Nominated Senator Hamida Kibwana, MPs Rashid Bedzimba (Kisauni), Badi Twalib (Jomvu), Ken Chonga (Kilifi South), Masoud Machele (Mvita) and George Aladwa (Makadara) thanked the President for nominating Joho to the Cabinet.

Twalib hailed President Ruto and Azimio leader Raila Odinga for agreeing to put the interests of Kenyans first for the sake of stability in the country.

The Coast leaders said they are ready to work together regardless of party affiliations to ensure the government delivers to the people.

“We would like to thank President William Ruto for supporting Azimio coalition leader Raila Odinga’s quest to be the next Africa Union Commission Chairman and also for nominating Hassan Joho as the Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs,” said Twalib.

Hamida said by nominating ODM leaders to Cabinet, the Head of State has shown commitment to forming a broad-based government that will address the concerns of Kenyans.

Boy challenged the new Cabinet to serve with dedication knowing that they will be held to account by citizens when their term comes to an end.

Aladwa said that most of the Cabinet Secretary nominees are professionals who will use their expertise to make a difference in government and called for the support of Kenyans to ensure that they achieve their targets.

The ODM National Chairman position held by National Treasury Cabinet Secretary nominee John Mbadi is up for grabs with Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang and Narok Senator Ledama ole Kina mentioned as possible candidates.

Arati dispelled the notion that ODM leader Raila Odinga had proposed him and Nassir to take over the two deputy party leadership positions during a meeting held in Mombasa, saying that they will seek the support of party members to get the positions.

“I am ready to become the next deputy leader of ODM party where I am currently serving as the National Vice Chairman. I will be moving around the country seeking the support of party members to be elected in that position, I am not expecting to get it on a silver platter,” said the Kisii governor.

Osotsi said he was ready to make a stab at the deputy party leader position to replace Oparanya saying he had demonstrated unwavering loyalty and commitment to the party after a section of governors and MPs deserted Raila and ODM after the 2022 General Election.

The Vihiga senator said that having served as the ANC Secretary General when the party produced 17 MPs in the last Parliament, one governor and over 80 Members of County Assembly, prepared him adequately for the ODM deputy party leader.

Kilifi South MP Ken Chonga, Jomvu's Badi Twalib, ODM Nairobi Branch Chairman George Aladwa and Kwale Woman Rep Fatuma Masito speak on July 30, 2024. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

“My elevation is likely to inject new blood in the party and excite the youth support at a time when the Western region is getting lethargic with the recycled ODM politicians in the area who have been accused to be doing little to push for community interests,” said Osotsi.

Kina who is currently serving as the Senate Minority Whip said that he was ready to serve as the ODM National Chairman given the chance by the party supporters since he has proven to be decisive when it matters, citing when he defended Azimio at Bomas of Kenya during the 2022 General Election.

The Narok senator said that he was the last man standing when it mattered most when he moved to Bomas to ensure that the votes that Raila got in the presidential election were not altered during their declaration by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.

“I am ready to make our party vibrant as it keeps the government in check inside and outside Parliament, I feel I am the right candidate to serve as the ODM National Chairman and will be going out to seek the support of our party members to clinch this position,” said Kina.

Kajwang said that his leadership skills have been proven for the third term in the Senate where he is currently serving as the Chairman of the County Public Accounts Committee which is out to ensure prudent expenditure of funds allocated to the 47 counties across the country.

The Homa Bay Senator said that he comes from a region that fully supports ODM and he would make history if elected to a position that his elder brother the late former Homa Bay Senator Otieno Kajwang once held before his sudden demise.

“If elected as ODM National Chairman it would be a win for the youth of Kenya since they will be represented at the highest echelons of the largest opposition party in Kenya, coming from a region that fully supports ODM Party is a plus for me as I move to other areas seeking support,” said Kajwang.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino said that he will be seeking to become the party leader if Raila is elected as the Africa Union Commission Chairman in February next year.

Babu said that he was ready to keep the government in check as the next leader of the largest opposition party in the country and his track record for the time that he has been a Member of Parliament is out there for public scrutiny and cannot be challenged by anyone.

“I am waiting for our party leader Raila Odinga to clinch the Africa Union Commission Chairmanship in February next year so that I can contest for the ODM party leader position which I am sure that I am going to win,” he said.