Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly (MCA) Robert Alai has said that Homa Bay County Governor Gladys Wanga is fit to take over the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party from Raila Odinga when he finally retires.
Looking at how Wanga has organised a Thanksgiving party since she was appointed the National Chairperson of ODM, Alai says that this is proof enough that the Governor can steer the party.
“If you think ODM now lacks leadership, check the event Governor Gladys Wanga is holding in Homa Bay today.
“Gladys Wanga is the most appropriate leader to take over the leadership of ODM after Baba, Raila Odinga. I hope that patriarchy doesn’t blind us,” Alai said in a post on X on Sunday, November 10, 2024.
AUC focus
As Raila now focuses his energy on the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, leadership roles and potential replacements in his party have been shaping ongoing debates.
Although he has not retired from active politics, Raila said that he was going to focus on the continental seat at the moment.
“You know that I’m going to begin to work for the continent once I’m elected in February 2025. At the moment, I’m involved in the campaigns, but that does not mean that Kenya ceases to exist. I’m not going to be active in Kenyan politics henceforth as I focus my attention on the continental campaign,” the former Lang’ata Member of Parliament (MP) said in an earlier statement.
In the meantime, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o was given the mantle to steer the party as Raila focused on his AUC bid.
“That in light of the grueling campaign schedule by our Party Leader and the need for him to focus on this, he has designated H.E Peter Anyang Nyong’o, the Governor Kisumu, to chair any and such meetings of the Central Committee that may become necessary during periods of his absence,” an ODM statement said in an earlier communiqué.
Changes
Recently, when top leaders from ODM: Wycliffe Oparanya, Hassan Joho, John Mbadi, and Opiyo Wandayi joined the government as Cabinet Secretaries, the party elevated some members to fill positions that were left vacant.
Vihiga County Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Kisii Governor Simba Arati, and his Mombasa counterpart Abdulswamad Nassir were appointed as deputy party leaders.
