ODM Confirms New Party Leader and Deputies at Special Delegates Conference
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has officially settled its leadership structure after endorsing veteran politician Oburu Odinga as the party leader.
This confirmation comes after he had been serving in an acting role for the last five months, guiding the party through a period of internal adjustments.
The decision was made during a Special Delegates Conference held on Friday, March 27, at the Jamhuri Grounds.
Delegates from across the country gathered for the important meeting, where they expressed strong support for Oburu’s leadership and demonstrated confidence in his ability to unite members and lead the party into the future.
The endorsement process was conducted through a voice vote led by Suna East MP Junet Mohamed. Addressing the delegates, Junet called for those in support and those against to respond, after which he declared that the majority had backed Oburu Odinga. This officially confirmed him as the ODM party leader.
Before his full confirmation, Oburu Odinga had been holding the position on an interim basis. During that time, he played a key role in maintaining stability within the party, overseeing daily operations, and ensuring that internal structures remained intact.
His leadership during that transition period is seen as one of the reasons delegates overwhelmingly supported his appointment.
Deputy Party Leaders Approved
At the same conference, ODM delegates also approved key changes in the party’s top leadership by appointing two deputy party leaders. Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir, the Governor of Mombasa, and Simba Arati, the Governor of Kisii, were both confirmed to serve in these positions.
However, the process was not without drama. The proposed appointment of Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi as a third deputy party leader did not go through.
His name failed to receive the required support during the ratification process, as no delegate stepped forward to propose or second his nomination.
Junet Mohamed clarified the situation to the delegates, explaining that without both a proposer and a seconder, the nomination could not proceed.
As a result, Osotsi’s name was dropped from the list of approved deputy party leaders despite having been earlier recommended by the party’s National Governing Council.
This outcome comes amid shifting political alignments within ODM, with Osotsi reportedly leaning towards a faction associated with leaders such as Edwin Sifuna, Babu Owino, and James Orengo. These internal dynamics are believed to have influenced the delegates’ decision.
New Chairperson and Deputies Confirmed
In addition to the leadership changes, delegates also approved the appointment of Gladys Wanga, the Governor of Homa Bay, as the party’s National Chairperson. Her appointment places her at the center of ODM’s organizational leadership.
She will be assisted by two deputies, Otiende Amollo, the Member of Parliament for Rarieda, and John Ariko Namoit, the MP for Turkana South. Both were successfully ratified during the same event, completing the party’s top leadership lineup.
A Defining Moment for ODM
The Special Delegates Conference marked a significant moment for ODM as it reorganizes its leadership and prepares for the future.
The gathering not only confirmed key leaders but also reflected the party’s internal democracy, where delegates actively participated in shaping its direction.
With a new leadership team now fully in place, the party is expected to focus on strengthening unity, addressing internal divisions, and positioning itself strategically in Kenya’s evolving political landscape.
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