BY ALEX OTUNGA – SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT – NAIROBI
With the recent nomination of top ODM officials to the Kenya Kwanza cabinet, awaiting parliamentary approval, ODM party leader Raila Odinga finds himself in a challenging position. He must now fill the vacant roles left by his loyal deputies: Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya, nominated for Co-operatives and SMEs; Ali Hassan Joho, nominated for Mining and Blue Economy; Party Chairman and nominated MP John Mbadi Ng’ong’o, nominated for Treasury and Economic Planning; and Minority Leader James Opiyo Wandayi, nominated for Energy and Petroleum.
This situation leaves Raila in a delicate balancing act to satisfy the interests of all party members. According to sources, Raila is considering replacing Wycliffe Oparanya with Kisii Governor and long-time ally Hon. Simba Arati as the 1st Deputy Party Leader and Abdulswamad Nassir, the current Mombasa Governor, as the 2nd Deputy Party Leader.
These potential changes raise questions about the future strength and unity of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). Why would Raila consider these two for such critical positions? The history between Simba Arati and Raila Odinga dates back to 2007 when Arati contested as the Councilor for Riruta Ward. This long-standing relationship and Arati’s loyalty to the party are likely factors in Raila’s decision. However, Arati’s trustworthiness is under scrutiny following the controversy involving his Deputy, Dr. Richard Monda, who was impeached for receiving a bribe, which many believe was set up by Arati after the former deputy criticised his leadership..
Similarly, Abdulswamad Nassir has consistently shown loyalty to the Orange party, and it may be the right time for him to be rewarded. By bringing these two into ODM leadership, Raila aims to consolidate Gusii votes to counter the influence of UDA Chief Whip Sylvanus Osoro. Additionally, selecting Abdulswamad is a strategic move to galvanize Mombasa votes by keeping a local representative in a significant position alongside the Cabinet post.
Despite these strategic moves, it cannot be overlooked that ODM is losing prominent leaders whose contributions have been invaluable. Joho, an aggressive grassroots political mobilizer, and Oparanya, whose track record has bolstered ODM’s presence in Western Kenya, are difficult to replace. Both leaders are wealthy politicians who have stood by the party through thick and thin.
The position of Minority Leader is also up for grabs, with several individuals showing interest, including Suba East MP Milly Odhiambo Mabona, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo, and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, a sidekick and close confidant of Raila. Reliable sources suggest that Junet Mohamed might be the next Minority Leader, with Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi taking over the party Chairman’s position, replacing Mbadi and filling the gap left by Oparanya.
Stay tuned TheDispatch.Digital for updates on these unfolding events and to see how these changes will impact the Orange party’s future.