ODM nominates Nyong'o as acting party leader as Raila pursues AUC chairmanship bid

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Central Committee has nominated Kisumu Governor Peter Anyang' Nyong'o to represent Party Leader Raila Odinga as he concentrates on his bid for the African Union (AU) Commission Chairmanship.

In a statement on Wednesday by ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Nyong'o has been appointed to chair any necessary Central Committee meetings during Odinga’s absence.

“That in light of the gruelling campaign schedule by our Party Leader and the need for him to focus on this, he has designated Peter Anyang Nyongo, the Governor Kisumu, to chair any and such meetings of the Central Committee that may become necessary during periods of his absence,” Sifuna said.

In response to his appointment, Nyong'o expressed his gratitude to Raila and the entire Party for entrusting him with the role of Acting Party Leader.

“I deeply appreciate the confidence you have placed in me to oversee the party while Baba attends to his international duties. To the entire ODM family across the country, I assure you that we will continue to follow Baba's path as we elevate our great party to even greater heights,” he said.

During the meeting, the committee also addressed issues in Kakamega County Assembly, expressing frustration with the resistance faced by the Party’s directive to appoint Geoffrey Ondiro as majority leader.

A scuffle had ensued after Sifuna wrote a letter to the County assembly speaker concerning changes to the role of majority leader.

In his letter, the ODM party revoked the appointment of Philip Maina Ondago as the majority leader and replaced him with Ondiro.

However, the changes triggered outrage from a section of the members of the County Assembly who dismissed the move terming it malicious.

The committee now says it plans to summon the County Governor, the Speaker, and former Majority Leader Maina for a meeting. It has also ordered the Speaker to enforce the Party's directives immediately.

The committee insisted that all Party members should adhere to discipline and avoid actions that could undermine the Party.

The members also noted that invitations to any meetings of any organs of the party not originating from the National Secretariat should henceforth be ignored.

The National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC) has also been directed to prepare for the postponed grassroots elections in November. The Committee has also proposed Hamida Kibwana on the NECC, to replace Beatrice Askul who was appointed as the Cabinet Secretary for East Africa, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL).