Kisii County Governor Simba Arati has hit the ground running days after being named the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) deputy party leader.

Arati took a firm grip on the leadership mantle by convening a critical meeting to strengthen its grassroots wings.

The first-time governor hosted leaders from the Nyanza region on Saturday, August evening 10, 2024, in Kisumu.

In a statement on Sunday, August 11, 2024, the ODM party noted that Arati urged the leaders and members from the Nyanza region to remain steadfast.

He was joined by other local leaders, including Siaya Governor James Orengo.

The Hon. ⁦@SimbaArati⁩ last evening in Kisumu held a meeting with party grassroots leaders from Nyanza region. He urged them to remain steadfast in the party and strengthen it in their areas of jurisdiction. Gvn ⁦@orengo_james⁩ Sen. Eddy Oketch were present. pic.twitter.com/B0hK7Z9FGp

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

ODM Deputy Party leaders

The former Member of Parliament was named deputy party leader alongside Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi.

The three replaced former governors Ali Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya who all joined President William Ruto’s Cabinet.

The party also retained Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as secretary-general and the party spokesperson.

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga was picked to replace John Mbadi as the national chairman.

Kajiado East MP Kakuta Maimai was fronted as secretary for special programmes and social welfare, Rahab Robi (Migori CEC) was made the secretary of publicity and information, Rosa Buyu (Kisumu West MP) was given the secretary for political affairs role and Ruth Odinga (Kisumu Woman Rep) was named as deputy organising secretary.

“These vacancies have attracted immense interest from across our membership. We wish to thank all those who offered themselves to serve acknowledging that many of them have already been of great service to the party,” Sifuna said in a statement.

“Whilst not all of us can lead at the same time, we wish to encourage those who may not get the nod that there will always be space for all of you to contribute.”

Parliamentary changes

Earlier ODM had also recommended changes to its Parliamentary leadership following the exit of Opiyo Wandayi who was appointed as Energy Cabinet Secretary.

The ODM party thus endorsed Suna East Member of Parliament Junet Mohamed as the Minority Leader and Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo as the Whip in the National Assembly.

“The Azimio PG meeting has unanimously endorsed the proposals from ODM to appoint Junet Mohamed and Millie Odhiambo as the new Minority Leader and Whip in the National Assembly respectively,” Sifuna said on X.