Leaders angle for top ODM leadership positions

ODM leader Raila Odinga (right) during a past meeting. Abdulswamad Nassir (left) is a possible candidate for the deputy party leader position. [Edward Kiplimo, Standard]

The clamour for top ODM leadership positions has begun after the holders were nominated to the Cabinet by President William Ruto.

The two deputy party leadership positions held by Cooperatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary nominee ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001499867/oparanya-i-m-ready-to-serve-in-president-ruto-s-government">Wycliffe Oparanya< and Mining Cabinet Secretary Nominee ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001499758/return-of-joho-how-cabinet-entry-will-redefine-coasts-politics">Ali Joho< are now up for grabs with several candidates showing interest.

Governors Simba Arati (Kisii) and Abdulswamad Nassir (Mombasa) as well as  Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi have been mentioned as possible candidates for the deputy party leader position and have pledged to go out to convince party members to give them a chance.

The National Chairman position held by the National Treasury Cabinet 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 ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/politics/article/2001499899/opposition-groping-in-darkness-over-odms-dalliance-with-ruto">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.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino said that he will be seeking to become the party leader if Raila is elected as the ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001499904/kenya-officially-submits-railas-name-for-au-chairmanship"> Africa Union Commission Chairman 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.

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.

“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 ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001493539/controversy-at-bomas-and-how-sms-saved-cdf-ogollas-career">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 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.