ODM Power Struggle: The Fierce Race to Fill Vacant Top Positions

ODM Power Struggle Over Key Vacancies in ODM

Former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho and former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya have left their deputy party leader positions vacant.

Joho is now the CS nominee for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, while Oparanya is the nominee for Cooperatives, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development.

These were the second highest-ranking positions in the party after Raila Odinga, the party leader.

The chairman position and the secretary position for political affairs in Kenya’s largest opposition party are also vacant. John Mbadi and Opiyo Wandayi resigned after being nominated to the cabinet.

Also, Beatrice Askul’s nomination to the East African Community Affairs cabinet has left a member of the elections board position open.

Top Contenders for ODM Leadership

The race for these vacancies has attracted various leaders. Candidates like Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro, and Homabay Governor Gladys Wanga are all eyeing the deputy party leader positions.

• Godfrey Osotsi: Known for his loyalty to the party and its leader, Raila Odinga. He is the only ODM-elected senator from Western Kenya and aims to attract the youth, especially Gen Z, to the party.
• Abdulswamad Nassir and Gideon Mung’aro: Representing the coastal region, they are strong contenders for Joho’s position.
• Gladys Wanga: Initially in the race, Wanga might drop out due to “overcompensation” of Homabay County in cabinet and parliamentary leadership.

Consensus Decision in ODM

ODM insiders suggest that the party may choose a consensus to fill these positions temporarily at the next central management committee meeting chaired by Raila.

Sources indicate that Wanga might drop out of the race due to “overcompensation” of Homabay County in cabinet and parliamentary leadership.

The competition for the two deputy leader positions now mainly involves Osotsi, Nassir, and Mung’aro. Wanga’s interest in the position had upset Western Kenya’s vote-rich bloc.

Observers believe it’s unfair for ODM to open up Oparanya’s deputy leader position for non-Western leaders while seemingly reserving Joho’s position for the coastal region.

Controversy and Regional Tensions

“Opening a top party position from Western to non-Western leaders is in bad taste and will not be accepted. The coast seems settled on either Mung’aro or Nassir.

Why should leaders outside Western claim Oparanya’s seat? This move might alienate Western region members from ODM,” said a familiar MP.

Governors are also mobilizing to take over party positions despite their fallouts with the electorate.

Western Kenya’s Busia MP Catherine Omanyo, Kakamega counterpart Elsie Muhanda, and Secretary General Edwin Sifuna from Bungoma already hold senior party positions. Only Vihiga County, where Osotsi is from, lacks a senior party position.

Power Struggle Over ODM Chairmanship

For the chairman position, Kisii Governor Simba Arati is up against Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina. Arati, the deputy chairman, took over from former Kisii MP Janet Ongera, who defected to the United Democratic Party.

Arati’s chances are slim as the party’s national treasurer, Timothy Bosire, also from the Gusii region, complicates his bid.

ODM’s Future Vision

These ODM politicians are Raila’s dream team for 2027 and beyond. The new leaders aim to attract Gen Zs, who currently disengage from party politics.

This is a crucial opportunity for ODM to revitalize and reorganize.

Raila, eyeing the government-backed chairmanship of the African Union, hopes these youthful leaders will steer the party toward political success.

The fierce competition within ODM highlights the intense political maneuvering and regional dynamics at play.

As the party navigates these challenges, the outcomes will shape its future and its strategy for the 2027 elections.