All eyes are on the Orange Democratic Party(ODM) as succession politics take center stage. Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will be leaving behind huge shoes to fill by vacating his position at the helm of the party he has led for more than two decades
Raila is now turning his attention to continental politics having trained his eyes on clinching the strategic African Union Commission (AUC) seat.
Naturally, several leaders within ODM are angling to replace Raila by positioning themselves to take over the political outfit which is the only party to survive multiple election cycles and boasting of a national outlook.
The leaders angling to replace Raila espouse different characteristics having shown their prowess and leadership qualities at different levels and in different disciplines.
In this article, Kenyans.co.ke takes a close look into the big 5 names, who are likely to replace the former premier:
1. Edwin Sifuna
The Nairobi Senator who also serves as ODM’s Secretary General is being fancied to take over from Raila by a section of leaders within ODM.
Sifuna had expressed his desire to move higher up in the ODM hierarchy from secretary general to deputy party leader. He however, revealed that he was forced to shelve these aspirations to accommodate the party’s bigger interests.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga with ODM leaders John Mbadi (left) and Edwin Sifuna (right).
Photo
ODM
Sifuna ascended steadily through the ODM structures, clawing his way into the Secretary-General position in 2018, just five years after joining CORD/NASA as a technical/advisory committee member.
Sifuna has held the ODM Secretary General role for six years putting him at the helm of the party’s organization and operations.
An astute lawyer, politician, and proficient MP, Sifuna has already secured the backing of Saboti MP Caleb Amisi who has stated the former has the capacity to usher the party into the new era.
2. Simba Arati
The Kisii Governor has won admirers in the political landscape for his firm leadership style and charisma.
Arati was recently named as deputy party leader alongside Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi. This puts him in good stead to take the final step as he is only a heartbeat away.
Before being named deputy party leader, the Kisii Governor received immense support from different leaders within the party which gave him the political capital needed to secure the position after former ODM deputy party leaders; Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya were appointed to the cabinet.
Arati’s political career began in 2007, when he contested for the position of councilor in his hometown. He was however, not successful on that occasion.
He would later become a nominated a nominated councilor in Nairobi, a position he held until 2012. He would then build on that by pursuing his lofty political ambitions. In 2013, he was elected as the Dagoretti North MP, a seat he defended in 2017.
3. James Orengo
The current Siaya Governor was once a fierce opponent to Raila. At one point, he was being tipped to become the Luo Kingpin. The ODM leader however, outfoxed him.
Decades down the line, ODM officials in Nairobi, led by Chairman George Aladwa have thrown their weight behind Orengo tipping him to take over from Raila.
Orengo joined the Orange Democratic Movement party in 2005, teaming up with Raila Odinga in the clamour for a new constitution.
Orengo has been playing a pivotal role in the party both as a leader and has appeared for Raila at the Supreme Court to contest the results of the 2017 and 2022 presidential elections.
After the contested 2017 elections Orengo was a permanent fixture within ODM and was selected to be one of the party’s four spokespersons. At the time, the country was on the precipice due to contested elections.
Having served ODM for many years, Orengo has a head start over his other competitors.
4. Anyang Nyong’o
Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o on top of a car during anti-government protests.
Anyang Nyong’o
The pioneer ODM Secretary General who also serves as Kisumu Governor is also among those who have been fronted to replace Raila.
An academician with the title Professor, Nyong’o was the first Kenyan to receive a First Class Honors Degree at the Faculty of Social Science, Department of Political Science at East Africa’s oldest institution of higher learning
Unlike the other contenders, Nyong’o has experience of being ODM’s party leader. In 2013, Nyong’o held fort as ODM party leader in interim capacity in Raila Odinga’s absence.
Kisumu residents hail him as a performing governor and believe in his capacity to replace Raila.
5. Gladys Wanga
Currently serving as the party’s National Chairperson, the Homa Bay Governor is the only lady on the list of possible Raila replacements.
The governor has numerously shown her leadership potential in the different leadership roles she has occupied. ODM by naming her as its chairperson, all but expressed its confidence in her.
If she is named party leader, Wanga will have added to the long list of milestones she has achieved.
In 2003, Ms. Wanga made history as the first woman Secretary-General of the Student’s Union at Kenyatta University, where she pursued her BSc and MSc in Health Management.
In 2020, Wanga scored another first when she was appointed Chair of the Finance and National Planning Committee of the Kenya National Assembly, becoming the first woman to hold the position in Kenya.
In August 2022, Wanga made history yet again when she was elected as the first Woman Governor of Homa Bay County.
She is now one step away from becoming ODM party leader.
Governors Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga), Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay) and Wavinya Ndeti (Machakos).
PCS
