Gladys Wanga, Simba Arati, Abdulswamad Nassir: ODM announces fresh leadership changes

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party’s Central Committee has proposed Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga as its new National Chairperson in fresh changes set to fill vacancies left behind by top officials who resigned to take up Cabinet roles.

The meeting, chaired by party leader Raila Odinga on Friday afternoon, picked Wanga to take over from John Mbadi, who has since transitioned into a new role in the national government as Treasury Cabinet Secretary.

The Central Committee also recommended to the National Executive Committee three names for Deputy Party Leader, despite only two slots being left behind by Hassan Joho (Mining CS) and Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives and MSMEs CS).

The three are Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, as well as Governors Simba Arati (Kisii) and Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir (Mombasa).

Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, who held the position of Secretary for Political Affairs, was proposed to be replaced with Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu.

Raila’s sister and former Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, on the other hand, was proposed for the position of Deputy Organizing Secretary.

“Needless to say, these vacancies have attracted immense interest from across our membership. We wish to thank all those who offered themselves to serve acknowledging that many of them have already been of great service to the Party,” ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna said in a statement to newsrooms.

“Whilst not all of us can lead at the same time, we wish to encourage those who may not get the nod that there will always be space for all of you to contribute.”

Sifuna added: “As you may have noticed, the Central Committee has proposed three names for Deputy Party Leader. We will be making a recommendation to the NEC and the NGC to make the necessary changes to our constitution to reflect this.”

The other proposed new party officials are as follows:

• Kakuta Maimai (MP Kajiado East) - Secretary for Special Programs and Social Welfare
• Rahab Robi (Youth CEC, Migori) - Secretary of Publicity and Informatiion
• John Ariko (MP, Turkana South) - Vice Chairman

• Otiende Amolo (MP, Rarieda) - Vice Chairman