A section of ODM leaders in Kisumu county have called for sobriety in the party as its leader Raila Odinga rallies his bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship.
The leaders led by Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron, deputy governor Mathews Owili and the County Woman Representative Ruth Odinga downplayed any move to organise a farewell party for Raila as he prepares to present himself for the AU chairmanship, terming it premature.
Owili claimed that a section of ODM party leadership and members have a plan to hold a farewell celebration for the orange party boss as he seeks to intensify campaigns for the AU chairman’s position.
The DG warned that such plans are premature and should be halted until the AUC elections outcome next year.
The leaders emphasized that all efforts should be directed towards praying and wishing the former prime minister well during his campaigns to become AUC chairman.
They however maintained that Raila despite his aspirations to become the next AU boss, still remains the ODM party leader.
“We are aware there is plan to hold a farewell party for baba (Raila) as he relieves himself from duties in the party and concentrate on the AU chairmanship. But we want to tell the organisers that it may not be the right time for such activity,” said Owili.
The leaders at the same time welcomed the appointment of Kisumu governor Anyang’ Nyong’o to take over as the interim ODM party leader, saying he befits the position.
In a statement read by Kisumu county ODM party coordination committee chairman Paul Akeyo, they described Nyong’o as a politician with unquestionable loyalty who has worked hard to grow the Orange Party to its current status.
“We thank our leader Hon Raila Odinga for recognising Prof Nyong’o’s service and commitment to the party over the past few decades. With him at the helm of ODM leadership, we are confident the party will continue to grow to new heights to execute the aspirations of Kenyans,” read the statement.
Odinga noted that they believed Nyong’o had what it takes to steer the party in the absence of Raila. She observed that the governor, who one time served as pioneer ODM secretary general is capable of leading the party due to his vast political experience.