Aladwa wants Arati picked as deputy leader of ODM

Makadara MP George Aladwa. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Pressure is mounting for the replacement ODM leaders who have joined President William Ruto's Cabinet.

Four key leaders are on the brink of joining the Kenya Kwanza administration after they were nominated to Cabinet Secretary positions.

ODM deputy party leaders Wycliffe Oparanya and and Hassan Joho were yesterday vetted by Parliament for the roles of Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and Mining and Blue Economy respectively.

On Saturday John Mbadi, the party chairman, and Leader of Minority Opiyo Wandayi were vetted for National Treasury and Energy ministries roles respectively.

ODM politicians are now pushing for replacements.

Led by Makadara MP George Aladwa, a section of ODM members are appealing to party leader Raila Odinga to endorse Kisii Governor Simba Arati and his Mombasa counterpart Abdullswamad Nassir to replace Oparanya and Joho respectively at the top of the party.

"We as the ODM officials from Nairobi County unanimously endorse Governor Simba Arati for the position of deputy Party Leader," said Aladwa.

He said Arati was the ideal candidate for his steadfast support of the party while contributing to its growth in Nairobi. Before he relocated to Kisii to contest for the governorship seat, Arati served as MP for Dagoretii North.

According to the Makadara lawmaker, it is important for ODM to fill the vacancies to ensure the continuity of party activities.

Aladwa said the party should go for leaders with a national appeal.

"Arati is a good mobilizer and can help grow the party to greater heights," Aladwa said.

The MP said with Raila campaigning for the African Union Commission chairmanship, the party requires experienced leaders to maintain its momentum.