Raila Odinga, leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), has expanded the party’s leadership structure. This comes by adding new deputy party leader positions. He expanded the party’s leadership structure after President William Ruto appointed some of his key allies to the Cabinet. He was prompting adjustments to accommodate regional interests.
Raila also chaired a Central Management Committee meeting. Here he named Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Nassir, Kisii Governor Simba Arati, and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi. The three are new deputy party leaders. Previously, ODM had only two deputy leader roles, held by former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho and former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya.
Initially, the plan was to replace the former deputy leaders with representatives from the same regions. After extensive discussions, ODM leaders created a third deputy leader position to include Mr. Arati. Gusii leaders, concerned about being excluded after five Cabinet slots were allocated to Nyanza, Coast, Western, and Turkana regions. They claim it influenced this decision.
ODM appointed Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga as the new national chairperson, replacing John Mbadi, who now serves as the Cabinet Secretary for National and Economic Planning. Supported by ODM’s women MPs, Wanga had initially aimed for a deputy leader role but embraced her new position, pledging to boost women’s and youth participation in the party.
“My focus will be on energizing the party by involving more women and youth. I appreciate the party leader’s commitment to women’s leadership,” Wanga stated.
Other key appointments include Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo and Turkana South MP John Ariko as vice chairpersons, Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu as Secretary for Political Affairs, and several others in strategic roles. The party plans to amend its constitution to formalize these changes.
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