In a significant shift within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), the party has announced a new parliamentary leadership lineup following recent Cabinet nominations by President William Ruto. This restructuring comes after key ODM members were appointed to ministerial positions in Ruto’s government.
The changes, revealed in a statement from ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, come as a response to the resignations of senior ODM members who were nominated for Cabinet roles. Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi, who was serving as the National Assembly Minority Leader, has been tapped to lead the Energy ministry. Similarly, ODM National Chairman John Mbadi has been selected for the Finance docket. Additionally, ODM Deputy Leaders Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya have been assigned to the Ministries of Mining and Blue Economy, and Cooperatives and MSMEs Development, respectively.
With these resignations, ODM has been compelled to reorganize its parliamentary structure. The party’s Central Management Committee, chaired by Raila Odinga, convened to discuss the leadership transition, resulting in key appointments designed to maintain the party’s influence and effectiveness in the National Assembly.
In the new arrangement, Suna East MP Junet Mohamed will assume the role of Minority Leader, taking over from Wandayi. Millie Odhiambo, the Suba North legislator, is set to replace Mohamed as the Minority Whip. These changes are aimed at ensuring continued strong representation and oversight from ODM in the National Assembly.
The party has also proposed Caleb Amisi from Saboti to take over as Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), a position previously held by Mbadi. Wilberforce Oundo is slated to become the new Vice Chair of the PAC. These appointments reflect ODM’s commitment to maintaining its role in scrutinizing government activities and holding the administration accountable.
Despite the shifts in leadership and the Cabinet appointments, Sifuna reassured the public that ODM remains firmly within the opposition Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition. He emphasized that there are no agreements between ODM and Kenya Kwanza, and the party will continue to advocate for transparency, accountability, and equity in governance.
The Secretary General also expressed ODM’s support for the issues raised by Kenya’s youth during recent anti-government protests, which have included demands for equity, unemployment solutions, and anti-corruption measures. Sifuna noted that these concerns are not new and have been part of previous national discussions, including those following the 2007-2008 election violence, which led to the Peace Accord.
As ODM navigates these changes, the party’s focus remains on its role within the opposition and its commitment to pushing for reforms and accountability. The reshuffle aims to ensure that ODM continues to be a formidable force in Kenyan politics, effectively challenging the government and advocating for the needs of the Kenyan people.
This strategic reorganization not only reflects ODM’s adaptability in the face of significant political transitions but also underscores its ongoing dedication to its core principles and its role as a watchdog in the Kenyan political landscape.
