Scramble for Opiyo Wandayi's Minority Leader post intensifies in ODM

A fierce race to succeed Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi as the Leader of Minority in the National Assembly is intensifying in the Raila Odinga-led Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party.

This follows Wandayi's nomination as cabinet secretary for Energy and Petroleum by President William Ruto this week.

Already, lawmakers allied to Raila have announced their interest in the seat whose occupant is tasked with developing the minority position; negotiating with the majority party and directing minority caucus activities on the floor of the House.

The outspoken Ugunja lawmaker was also the Orange party's secretary for political affairs, meaning that ODM will also have to fill vacant party positions left by those of its members set to join Ruto's cabinet.

Fiery Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo and her Rarieda counterpart Otiende Amollo have expressed interest.

"For clarity, I do not want any deputy leadership position in Parliament. I have declared an interest in minority leadership. I have not changed," said Odhiambo.

Odhiambo relies heavily on the support of fellow female legislators in the party who are drumming support for her. Already, Kisumu Town West MP Rosa Buyu has backed her bid.

"I have declared my interest in the minority leader position. I want to be viewed as a leader capable of handling that role and not viewed from my gender, "she said on Thursday in Nairobi.

Seme MP James Nyikal, Peter Kaluma (Homa Bay Town) and Jared Okelo (Nyando) have also expressed interest in Wandayi's job.

National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi and Azimio La Umoja Leader Raila Odinga consult each other at a past press briefing. (Photo: ODM)

Despite ODM being part of the now 'fragile' Azimio La Umoja Coalition, the seat was reserved for the party following negotiations that followed the 2022 General Election.

Party nomination

Despite intense lobbying, the party leadership is set to convene and nominate persons to fill the position. Rarieda lawmaker Otiende Amollo is an experienced legal practitioner who has also been key in defending the party as well as Azimio's interests in court, including two landmark presidential election petitions in 2017 and 2022.

Nyando MP Jared Okelo said Otiende has enough experience to steer the Azimio ship."Otiende has undivided attention to the principles of ODM, he has been around now for seven years and that is enough time to steer the minority side," he said.

"Otiende and I also enjoy a cordial relationship with our colleagues in the National Assembly, so both of us have what it takes."

Should the party bypass Amollo, Okelo says he is also able to take the position given that Kisumu County is currently not represented in the leadership.

"If you were to go by the Luo Nyanza counties, Siaya now has a flag similar to Homa Bay. Additionally, Siaya and Homa Bay have people sitting in the speakers' panel while Migori is represented by Junet Mohammed as the minority whip. So in the spirit of equity, I deserve," Okelo said.

President Ruto also nominated ODM nominated MP and Chairman John Mbadi to head the powerful National Treasury post in his newly reconstituted cabinet.

In the race to succeed Mbadi as the party's nominated MP, ODM Youth President John Ketora has announced his interest in replacing the former Suba South lawmaker who will now have to resign from his nominated position should he get the nod after vetting by Parliament.

According to the party's nomination list submitted to IEBC in the run-up to the 2022 elections, Ketora is next in line.

There are 12 members nominated by each parliamentary political party to represent the special interests of youth, persons with disabilities and workers. ODM nominated Mbadi to represent workers.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino who protested after showing interest in the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairmanship before it was given to Mbadi on Thursday said he is no longer eyeing the oversight seat.

"Yes, I wanted to be the chairperson but now I am more than qualified for the position," Owino said.