ODM Top Brass to Name Raila's Successor on Wednesday

The Central Management Committee, The top decision-making body of ODM, will on Wednesday select an interim party leader to take Raila Odinga's place.

This meeting comes as Odinga readies to step down from his 18-year tenure as party leader to focus on his campaign for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC) in the upcoming February 2025 election. In anticipation of this change, the ODM's Elders Council, a recently formed supreme authority within the party, will convene today to initiate the succession process. This council, working in conjunction with the ODM Board of Trustees, is expected to propose a successor for consideration by the CMC.

The Board of Trustees, comprising long-standing ODM stalwarts and Odinga's closest allies, plays a crucial role as the custodian of the party's vision. The imminent leadership transition has sparked discussions within the party about potential successors. Saboti MP Caleb Amisi has publicly advocated for ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna to assume the role of party leader while suggesting that Siaya Governor James Orengo could serve as chairperson of the Council of Elders. Amisi emphasizes the importance of infusing the party with fresh energy and enthusiasm from its youthful supporters.

Odinga's decision to pursue the AUC chairmanship marks a potential shift in his political career from national to continental leadership. The AUC chair has significant influence in shaping Africa's collective agenda and representing the continent globally. This move reflects Odinga's enduring commitment to public service and his vision for African unity and prosperity.
Meanwhile, Sifuna has disclosed that he dropped his bid for ODM deputy party leader and chose to remain as Secretary-General after being convinced of the role's importance to the party. The vacancy arose following the cabinet appointments of former deputies Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya by President William Ruto.

In a subsequent reorganization, the ODM party expanded its deputy leadership to three positions. Governors Simba Arati of Kisii and Abdulswamad Nassir of Mombasa were appointed to two of these roles, while Senator Godfrey Osotsi, initially slated for Secretary-General, became the third deputy leader.