The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party’s Central Committee has proposed Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga as its new National Chairperson, marking a significant shift in the party’s leadership.
This decision, made during a meeting chaired by party leader Raila Odinga on Friday afternoon, follows the resignation of former Chairperson John Mbadi, who has transitioned to his new role as Treasury Cabinet Secretary.
In addition to the chairperson role, the Central Committee recommended three names for the Deputy Party Leader positions to the National Executive Committee (NEC).
The candidates are Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Kisii Governor Simba Arati, and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir.
Notably, only two Deputy Party Leader slots are available, following the appointments of Hassan Joho (Mining CS) and Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives and MSMEs CS) to Cabinet positions.
Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, who previously served as Secretary for Political Affairs, is set to be replaced by Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu.
Additionally, Raila Odinga’s sister and former Kisumu Deputy Governor Ruth Odinga has been proposed for the position of Deputy Organizing Secretary.
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna expressed gratitude to all members who expressed interest in the vacancies.
“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.
He also noted that the Central Committee’s proposal for three Deputy Party Leaders will lead to a recommendation for constitutional amendments by the NEC and the National Governing Council (NGC).
The party has also proposed several other new officials including;
Kakuta Maimai (MP Kajiado East) as Secretary for Special Programs and Social Welfare, Rahab Robi (Youth CEC, Migori) as Secretary of Publicity and Information, John Ariko (MP, Turkana South) as Vice Chairman, and Otiende Amolo (MP, Rarieda) as Vice Chairman.
