Raila Heads Party Retreat in Mombasa Amid Gachagua Ouster Debate

Opposition leader Raila Odinga is in Mombasa to chair a crucial ODM National Executive Committee decision-making meeting.

This three-day retreat, which commenced on Friday and is set to conclude on Sunday, brings together key party decision-makers at a time of heightened political tension. The timing is particularly noteworthy as Parliament prepares to make a critical decision regarding Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's future. The retreat marks Odinga's first party gathering since the initiation of impeachment proceedings against Gachagua. While the meeting's timing has sparked speculation about its purpose, ODM officials have been quick to downplay any connection to current political events.

The ODM deputy party leader Geoffrey Osotsi emphasizes that the retreat was planned months in advance and is focused on internal party matters rather than the ongoing political situation. Despite these assurances, allies of Gachagua have accused the opposition of orchestrating his potential removal from office. Some members of Parliament including Embakasi North MP James Gakuyu and Murang'a Senator Joe Nyutu have directly implicated ODM in what they perceive as a coordinated effort to undermine the Kenya Kwanza government.

They argue that ODM's involvement has been crucial in advancing the impeachment process. The implications of ODM's position on the impeachment are significant, particularly in the Senate where the party holds 20 seats. For the impeachment to fail, Gachagua would need the support of at least 23 senators to prevent the two-thirds majority required for his removal. According to Osotsi, the retreat's agenda encompasses several key party matters. Chief among these is the planning of grassroots elections which had been postponed earlier in the year due to adverse weather conditions.

The National Executive Committee (NEC) is expected to instruct the National Election Coordinating Committee to begin preparations for these elections, slated to take place in November. Another crucial item on the agenda is the ratification of recent party appointments. The NEC will review and approve new leadership positions, including the recently appointed deputy party leaders. This process is essential for formalizing the party's leadership structure and ensuring compliance with ODM's constitutional requirements.

The retreat also offers an opportunity for the party to discuss its relationship with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), although officials have not explicitly confirmed this as part of the agenda.