The nomination of key figures in the Orange Democraric Movement (ODM) party to join President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration has opened a cut-throat competition among some of its lieutenants who seek to fill the vacancies.

Two ODM Deputy Party positions previously held by Co-operative Cabinet Secretary nominee Wycliffe Oparanya and Mining Cabinet Secretary nominee Ali Hassan Joho are now up for grabs with several candidates showing interest.

Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi is now seeking to replace Oparanya while Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff is also in contention to replace Joho.

Kisii Governor Simba Arati is also said to be eyeing one of the deputy party leader positions.

Arati (pictured) denied claims that Party Leader Raila Odinga had proposed him and Nassir to take over the positions held by Oparanya and Joho during a meeting held in Mombasa saying that they will seek the support of party members to bag the positions.

Seeking support

“I am ready to become the next Deputy Leader of ODM Party where I am currently serving as the National Vice Chairman, I will be moving around the country seeking the support of party members to be elected to that position, I am not expecting to get it on a silver platter,” said Arati.

However, Osotsi charges that given that Oparanya hails from Western region, it will be only fair if the d position remains there, adding that he is the only ODM Senator elected from the region.

Vacant position

He said that having served as the Secretary General of the ANC Party when the party produced 17 Members of Parliament in the last parliament, one governor and over 80 Members of County Assembly, he was adequately prepared for the now vacant position of Deputy Party Leader.

“My elevation is likely to inject new blood in the party and excite the youth support at a time when the Western region is getting lethargic with the recycled ODM politicians in the area who have been accused to be doing little to push for community interests,” said Osotsi.