- George Aladwa joined ODM Nairobi county leaders in campaigning for Governor James Orengo to succeed Raila Odinga, the party’s current leader.
- The national chairmen, led by Fernandez Barasa, indicated that Raila is still the party’s leader, hence the position is not open.
- Barasa advocated holding a series of meetings with the party’s top officials to discuss succession preparation.
ODM Nairobi county leaders, led by George Aladwa, have shown strong support for Siaya Governor James Orengo as Raila Odinga’s possible successor.
This move comes as Raila seeks to become head of the African Union Commission (AUC), which may limit his engagement in local politics.
However, ODM chairmen across the country have expressed doubt over Orengo’s endorsement, calling the debate of Raila’s succession premature, according to Citizen Digital.
During the meeting on Tuesday, September 10, Kakamega governor Fernandez Barasa, who represented the county party chiefs, argued that Raila remained the party’s leader and that any talk regarding succession should involve ODM’s top officials.
“We have agreed that discussing Raila’s succession now is premature because he is still the party’s leader. “Our party has established procedures for appointing an acting leader if necessary,” he stated.
Barasa told party members that there would be no leadership vacuum after Raila’s resignation, citing strong procedures to manage the change.
He described the future decision-making agenda, which includes the Central Management Committee meeting in September, the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting next week, and the National Delegates Meeting in October to debate further and establish a succession strategy.
