The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has confirmed the resignation of deputy party leaders Ali Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya.
In a statement on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, the opposition party noted that the duo handed in their resignations following their nomination by President William Ruto to join his cabinet.
The Head of State nominated former Mombasa Governor Joho to lead the Ministry of Mining and Blue Economy, and former Kakamega Governor Oparanya to head the Ministry of Co-operatives and MSMEs Development.
The decision of the deputy party leaders to resign was announced during the Central Management Committee meeting held on Wednesday.
Besides the two, ODM also confirmed the resignation of John Mbadi as national chairperson and Opiyo Wandayi as Secretary for Political Affairs.
The Head of State fronted the ODM chair and nominated MP Mbadi to lead the Treasury ministry and National Assembly Minority Leader and Ugunja MP Wandayi to oversee the Energy docket.
Beatrice Askul Moe who was nominated as the Cabinet Secretary for East African Committee Affairs and Regional Development also tendered her resignation as member of the Party Elections Committee.
“That the party has officially released its officials who were recently tapped by President William Ruto for national duty as Cabinet secretaries.
“I confirm that I have received the resignations of John Mbadi as National Chairperson, Opiyo Wandayi as Secretary for Political Affairs, Wycliffe Oparanya and Hassan Joho as Deputy Party Leaders, and Beatrice Askul Moe as a member of the Party Elections Committee,” a statement shared by ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna read in part.
The party however vowed to fill the vacancies after consultations. “That in the wake of the vacancies occasioned by the nominations, the Party shall be embarking on wide consultations amongst its membership in order to fill those vacancies,” ODM’s statement added.
Still in Opposition
The Central Management Committee meeting further reiterated their stand that ODM has not joined the ruling party, Kenya Kwanza. During the meeting, the members agreed to continue playing the Opposition role.
“We reiterate that there is no agreement of any nature between ODM and Kenya Kwanza. ODM therefore remains a member of the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition and will continue to play its opposition role alongside other parties to push for accountability, transparency and equity in governance and public affairs.”
For these and more credible stories, join our revamped Telegram and WhatsApp channels.
Telegram: https://t.me/peopledailydigital
WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va698juDOQIToHyu1p2z