Nairobi, Kenya | By Michael Wandati | Opposition leader Raila Odinga has appointed Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o to head the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Central Committee as part of his efforts to strengthen his campaign for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC).
The announcement was made by ODM Secretary General and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna on Wednesday 11, September 2024, following a meeting of the party’s Central Committee, which was chaired by Raila Odinga himself.
This move signals a strategic alignment within the party as Raila Odinga intensifies his focus on securing the AUC leadership position.
“In light of the gruelling campaign schedule by our Party Leader and the need for him to focus on this, he has designated H.E Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, the Governor Kisumu, to chair any and such meetings of the Central Committee that may become necessary during periods of his absence,” Sifuna announced.
The race for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship is heating up, with Raila Odinga officially entering the contest. The election is set to take place at the 38th AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in February 2025. During this summit, the AU Assembly will elect the new Chair through a secret ballot.
The successful candidate will succeed the current Chair, Moussa Faki, whose term is set to expire next year. The newly elected leader will serve a four-year term, with the possibility of one re-election.
On August 27, Kenya officially launched Odinga’s bid for the AUC Chair during a high-profile event at State House, Nairobi. The occasion, attended by various Heads of State and dignitaries from across Africa, demonstrated widespread support for Odinga’s candidacy.
Raila Odinga’s campaign has received backing from several member states of the East African Community (EAC), including Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, and South Sudan. This regional backing signals a unified effort to promote his leadership across the continent.
In addition to discussing Odinga’s AU bid, the ODM Central Committee also addressed internal party matters. A key concern was the ongoing disruptions in the Kakamega County Assembly, where ODM expressed dissatisfaction with the local leadership’s obstruction of Geoffrey Ondiro’s appointment as Majority Leader.
Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has been tasked with leading the Central Committee as ODM solidifies its position both within Kenya and across Africa.
“The state of affairs in Kakamega County Assembly has now become unacceptable. The Party via official communication designated Hon. 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 Majority Hon Maina.
The ODM Committee subsequently resolved to summon the said officials, on a later date, to resolve the back and forth.
“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 the Speaker must implement its directives and further that all purported changes to committee membership/leadership be and are revoked,” said Sifuna.
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The ODM Central Committee also assigned Deputy Party Leaders, Governor Simba Arati and Senator George Osotsi, the responsibility of addressing internal disputes among ODM members in Kilifi County. Reports of infighting have surfaced, raising concerns about unity within the party at the county level.
The leadership’s swift move to resolve these tensions demonstrates the party’s commitment to maintaining cohesion as it continues to advance its political agenda on both national and continental fronts.
“The Party has received complaints of wrangling within its ranks in Kilifi County. Two deputy Party Leaders, Hon Simba and Hon. Osotsi to hold an urgent meeting with all stakeholders in Kilifi to resolve this matter. They shall be joined by the National Organizing Secretary, Hon. Abdisalan,”said Sifuna.
