Raila officially steps down from ODM roles to focus on AUC bid

ODM leader Raila Odinga arrives in Mombasa for the party National Executive Council (NEC) retreat on October 12, 2024. [Omondi Onyango, Standard]

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has temporarily stepped down from all roles in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party as he embarks on the final and intricate campaign for the chairmanship of the Africa Union Commission (AUC).

Announcing the decision in Mombasa yesterday, Raila said the ODM Central Committee decided that Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o should step in an acting capacity to provide leadership as his focus shifts to continental politics.

"The Central Committee of our party made this decision a few weeks ago, picking a man who has been central in giving direction and firm foundation to our party since inception," said Raila.

He said the Kisumu governor will ensure ideological continuity and clarity that have been the hallmark of the ODM party as it gears towards the grassroots elections.

"In line with a recent decision of the central committee, I formally task our founding Secretary General Prof Anyang Nyongo to step in and provide leadership to our great party to enable me to immerse myself fully into the final and more intricate phase of my campaign for chairmanship of the African Union Commission," said Raila.

Raila also said the committee has confirmed Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga as the party's chairperson replacing Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi.

Addressing the media during the party's central committee meeting at Travelers Beach Hotel in Mombasa, Raila said the change of guard at the party's helm marked the beginning and continuity of leadership in the party.

He explained that with Prof Nyong'o acting as the party leader, there was assurance of ideological continuity and clarity that have been the hallmarks of the party.

Raila, who announced that the party's grassroots election will kick off next month, asked the party members to restrain themselves from violence during the exercise saying even the Registrar of Political Parties had declared ODM as the only political party following the law.

During the meeting, Kisii Governor Simba Arati, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, and Vihiga Senator Geofrey Otostsi were confirmed as the deputy party leaders after CSs Hassan Ali Joho, Wycliffe Oparanya and Opiyo Wandayi resigned from the party's leadership.

"We are also welcoming a new leadership to the helm of our party. Men and women who have consistently demonstrated their commitment to ODM's ideals, their loyalty to our cause, and their leadership in our nation. The leaders they are succeeding have been called to help steer Kenya through turbulent times," said Raila.