Politics
Kisumu County Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leadership has unanimously endorsed Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o as the interim party leader, stepping in for Raila Odinga, who is shifting focus to his campaign for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson role.
Led by County ODM party Coordination Committee Chairperson Paul Akeyo, the leaders acknowledged Prof Nyong’o’s decades of dedication to the party made him the ideal candidate to temporarily take over leadership as the acting chairperson of the ODM Central Management Committee.
ODM party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna announced on Wednesday the party’s decision to dedicate Prof Nyong’o to chair the Central Committee in Odinga’s absence. At a press conference held in Kisumu on Friday, Akeyo expressed confidence in Nyong’o’s leadership, praising his astute and visionary leadership.
He noted that the Kisumu ODM fraternity trusts Nyong’o to elevate the party to greater heights, owing to his vast experience and loyalty, having played a significant role in the party’s formation in 2005. “As a pioneer ODM Secretary General, Prof Nyong’o has worked tirelessly to help the party grow into the largest opposition party in East and Central Africa. We are incredibly proud of his accomplishments,” Akeyo remarked.
He added that Nyong’o has been instrumental in shaping the party’s policies and strategies, strengthening ODM over time. The leaders also commended Nyong’o for his two-term tenure as Kisumu Governor, which transformed the county into a key destination for local and international investors.
“With Nyong’o at the helm of ODM leadership, we are confident the party will continue to thrive and achieve the aspirations of Kenyans,” Akeyo added. Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathew Owili also voiced his support, thanking Odinga for his confidence in Nyong’o.
Dr Owili assured that elected leaders and ODM members from the region are committed to supporting Nyong’o in his new role. “We pledge our full backing to Governor Nyong’o as he undertakes this critical responsibility,” Owili stated.
Echoing these sentiments, Kisumu County Woman Representative Ruth Odinga termed Nyong’o’s nomination a wise decision. She emphasised that his ability to unite party members would ensure peace and cohesion within ODM.
“We accept and respect the decision to nominate Governor Nyong’o as the acting ODM Party leader. We trust in his ability to bring everyone together for the good of the party,” Ruth Odinga said. Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron congratulated Nyong’o for accepting the leadership role and urged ODM supporters to maintain calm and unity, allowing Odinga to focus on his AUC chairperson campaign, which is set to culminate in February 2025.
“Nyong’o’s leadership will give Odinga the ample time he needs to focus on his campaign, as he seeks support from all eligible African nations to secure the AUC chair position,” Dr Oron noted.