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Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has made changes to the Homa Bay County leadership after governor Gladys Wanga was named the Orange Party’s National Chairperson.

ODM in a statement signed by Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen that was issued on Sunday, August 18, 2024, says governor Wanga who held the position of the Chairperson of Homa Bay County Coordinating Committee, has since vacated the office after assuming her national role.

ODM on Wanga’s replacement

As a result, changes have been made to replace vacant position left by Wanga.

ODM says Hamilton Orata who has been serving as Homa Bay county Vice Chairperson will take over as the new Chairperson in an acting capacity until elections are held.

This, ODM says, is in accordance with Articles 15 and 50 of the party constitution.

“On August 9, 2024, the Central Committee made changes in the National Executive Committee, where H.E. Gladys Wanga was named the National Chairperson of the ODM Party. Hitherto, Governor Wanga was the Chairperson of Homa Bay County Coordinating Committee.

“Under Articles 15 and 50 of the ODM Party Constitution, Governor Wanga vacates the position of County Chairperson, and Vice Chairperson H.E. Hamilton Orata takes over in an acting capacity until elections are held,” ODM stated.

This is the official position of the party… pic.twitter.com/MXFyryIJlJ

— The ODM Party (@TheODMparty) August 18, 2024

ODM leadership changes

ODM on Friday, August 9, 2024, made recommendations to its National Executive Committee (NEC) to consider the proposal of Governor Wanga as the National Chairperson deputized by Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo and Turkana South MP John Ariko.

Vihiga County Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Kisii Governor Simba Arati and his Mombasa counterpart Abdulswamad Nassir were also recommended to take over as ODM deputy party leaders following the exit of Wycliffe Oparanya and Hassan Joho who joined President William Ruto’s Cabinet.

This is after the position was left vacant by John Mbadi following his nomination and subsequent appointment as the National Treasury Cabinet Secretary.

Wanga’s reign

Governor Wanga had occupied the influential branch position since 2015 after she floored Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma in the party elections.

Kaluma and Wanga ran parallel offices for some time before ODM party leader Raila Odinga intervened and made him the ODM county secretary.

Homa Bay County Woman Representative Joyce Osogo and Ndhiwa Member of Parliament Martin Owino are some of the leaders that have expressed interest in replacing governor Wanga.