ODM recommends key leadership changes following resignations

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has implemented changes to its national leadership in response to the recent resignations of several top officials.

The vacancies arose due to the departure of National Chairman John Mbadi, now the Treasury Cabinet Secretary (CS), and Deputy Party Leaders Wycliffe Oparanya (CS MSMEs) and Hassan Joho (CS Mining and Blue Economy).

To address these vacancies, the ODM Central Management Committee convened a meeting earlier Friday, chaired by party leader Raila Odinga.

The meeting aimed to fill the leadership gaps and ensure the continuity of the party’s activities.

In a press statement issued afterward, ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna announced the committee's recommendations for new appointments to the vacant positions.

The party appointed governors Simba Arati (Kisii), Abdulswamad Nassir (Mombasa), and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi as Deputy Party Leaders.

Nairobi Senator – Mr Sifuna - was retained as Secretary-General and Party Spokesperson.

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga was selected to replace Mr Mbadi as National Chairperson, with Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo and Turkana South MP John Ariko as her deputies.

Kajiado East MP Kakuta Maimai will serve as Secretary for Special Programmes and Social Welfare, Rahab Robi (Migori CEC) as Secretary of Publicity and Information, Rosa Buyu (Kisumu West MP) as Secretary for Political Affairs, and Ruth Odinga (Kisumu Woman Representative) as Deputy Organizing Secretary.

The Central Committee has also proposed that the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and the National Governing Council (NGC) consider constitutional amendments to accommodate the new leadership structure, particularly the inclusion of three Deputy Party Leaders.

The necessary changes are expected to be made in consultation with the NEC and the National Governing Council (NGC).

These appointments come at a critical time for ODM as the party seeks to strengthen its leadership structure and maintain its influence in Kenya's dynamic political landscape.

The proposed changes reflect ODM's commitment to inclusivity and the continued development of its leadership cadre.

The recommendations will now be forwarded to the NEC for approval, marking the next step in the party's efforts to stabilize its leadership and prepare for the challenges ahead.

“We express gratitude to all members who showed interest in these leadership roles, acknowledging their contributions to the party,” read a statement from the party SG.

The statement also encouraged those not selected to remain engaged, noting that future opportunities to contribute to the party’s growth will arise.

These leadership changes come at a critical time, as ODM continues to play a significant role in Kenya’s political landscape, particularly in light of ongoing collaboration with President William Ruto’s ‘broad-based’ government.

The new appointees are expected to bring fresh energy and perspectives to the party’s leadership, guiding ODM through the current political climate.