Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has taken a step back from Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party affairs to fully focus on his African Union Commission’s (AUC) chairperson’s bid.

In a statement on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna confirmed Raila’s decision to focus on his AUC bid by delegating some key duties.

According to a communiqué issued by the opposition party, Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o will step in Raila’s shoes. His main duties will include chairing important ODM meetings and overseeing Central Committee deliberations.

“That in light of the gruelling campaign schedule by our Party Leader and the need for him to focus on this, he has designated Peter Anyang Nyongo, the Governor Kisumu, to chair any and such meetings of the Central Committee that may become necessary during periods of his absence,” a statement signed by Sifuna read in part.

Responding to his new role, Anyang Nyong’o vowed to protect the party tenets and deep values enshrined in the ODM party’s constitution.

attends to his international duties.

To the entire ODM family across the country, I assure you that we will continue to follow Baba's path as we elevate our great party to even greater heights.

Chama iko imara!

— Gov. Anyang' Nyong'o (@AnyangNyongo) September 11, 2024

The designation of the role comes amidst a rising pulse in the opposition party on who will succeed Raila as ODM party leader as he turns his eyes to the continental arena.

Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino has already expressed his willingness to take over the instruments of power from Raila.

The battle also pits several other bigwigs within the ODM party who are yet to declare their intentions publicly.

To avoid any infightings during the succession period, ODM has further directed its members to maintain their discipline even in Raila’s absence.

“That all party members must continue to remain disciplined and avoid actions and words that undermine the party and its organs. Members are reminded that all sanctioned party meetings must and shall be organized and communicated through the National Secretariat,” the party insisted.

The resolution was made during the last Central Committee meeting, which was chaired by Raila in Kisumu.

Other directives

During the meeting, ODM also directed its two deputy party leaders, Simba Arati (Kisii Governor) and Godfrey Osotsi (Vihiga Senator), to convene a meeting to address leadership wrangles in Kilifi County.

ODM further summoned three leaders from Kakamega County led by Governor Fernandes Barasa for what it says is an act of undermining the party’s decision.

CLARIFICATION: The ODM Party Leader is @RailaOdinga. However, due to the nature of the AUC Chairperson’s Campaign which requires his direct involvement, he has designated Prof @AnyangNyongo , the Governor of Kisumu County to Chair meetings of the Central Management Committee..1/2 pic.twitter.com/zYc9jbYLQ9

— The ODM Party (@TheODMparty) September 11, 2024

“That the state of affairs in Kakamega County Assembly has now become unacceptable. The party, via official communication, designated Geoffrey Ondiro as the majority leader. This directive has, however, been repeatedly frustrated by individuals led by the County Governor, the Speaker, and the former leader of the Majority.

“The committee has therefore resolved to summon the three to appear before it at a date to be communicated. In the meantime, the party insists that forthwith, the speaker must implement its directives and further that all purported changes to committee membership/leadership be and are hereby revoked,” ODM insisted.