Raila unites ODM factions, calls for party cohesion ahead of succession talks

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader Raila Odinga has moved seal cracks in his party by uniting two factions angling to succeed him.

Raila on Thursday united his two deputies Ali Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya who have been seeking to replace him should he succeed in his African Union Commission Chairpersonship quest.

He also called on his supporters to stop agonising over the party's past losses and concentrate on the contest ahead.

"We have to move together as one. I want to see unity in ODM because the election should strengthen us and not separate us," said Raila.

Raila remarked that he understands he won't be there forever and wants the party to last forever.

"I want the ODM Party to be like the CCM Party in Tanzania that has outlived its leaders and ruled for a long time," he added.

He castigated leaders in the party who had started forming alliances along regions and ethnic lines.

"I am still here and have not gotten that African Union job. How do you know I will get the job?," Raila asked.

Wycliffe Oparanya, Odinga's party's deputy and former Kakamega Governor, stated that their loss in the previous election was very traumatic, and they are now focusing on winning the next election.

He claimed that placing him and Joho in opposing camps was inappropriate, threatening the party's unity.

"I want leaders here to weigh their speeches in public forums because we should not cause disunity in the party, "said Oparanya.

Joho said Raila's position is too huge for him or Oparanya to occupy and that the party members need to exercise caution when igniting debate on Raila's succession.

"If I and both Oparanya places our feet inside Raila's shoes then I know we can still not fit," said Joho.

He called on the party to unite, saying that unity of the opposition party is the only way to uproot President William Ruto from power.

Party Chairman John Mbadi regretted that Raila's bid had caused a unity challenge in the party.

"The conversation about Raila going to the African Union has brought unhealthy discussions within the party, "said Mbadi.

He added that Raila's bid for AUC chairperson does not remove him from party leadership.

"We will be behind Raila whether he succeeds in his African Union quest or not, "added Mbadi.

The leaders spoke during the national delegates council of the party at Bomas of Kenya ahead of the grassroots election scheduled later this and next month.