ODM party calls for a crisis meeting after Raila AU bid
ODM slated to convene a meeting to forge a path forward on the future of the political outfit with Raila if he wins the AU chairperson position
ODM slated to convene a meeting to forge a path forward on the future of the political outfit with Raila if he wins the AU chairperson position.
Following the unexpected announcement this week by party leader Raila Odinga of his candidacy for chair of the African Union Commission, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has convened a crisis meeting to determine the next course of action.
Mr. Odinga will technically be edged out of Kenya’s political landscape and in the 2027 general election if he is endorsed for the seat, as he will be obligated to hold the office until 2028.
Additionally, Mr. Odinga will only retain his right to vote in Kenya as a citizen, but he will be restricted from participating in active politics.
Speaking in Migori County’s Suna East constituency on Friday, area Member of Parliament and ODM’s Director of Elections Junet Mohamed said the party is now slated to convene to forge a path forward on the future of the political outfit.
Mohamed, one of the closest Raila Odinga allies, noted that the meeting will take place when the party boss returns to Kenya from his ongoing Germany trip.
He however allayed fears that Mr. Odinga’s AU Commission bid in any way weakens his political power in Kenya or softens his grip on the ODM party leadership roster, adding that neither will it weaken the opposition political outfit.
The legislator subsequently characterized the ODM honcho as a strategic thinker who plans his moves in advance, further underscoring that the former premier strategically positioned himself before announcing his aspirations for the continental position.
“Kuna mkutano ya chama imeitishwa na itatoa mwelekeo vile tutaenda. ODM ni chama kubwa na Raila aende AU ama aende EU, yeye atabaki kiongozi yetu hapa Kenya. Walio na wasiwasi wakome,” said Mohamed.
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“Yule mzee ni mchoraji…amechora kila kitu. Amechora vile atakuwa AU, ODM na vile Kenya itaendelea…amechora yote, Hakuna mtu anatoshana na yeye hapa Afrika na hakuna mtu amesaidia Waafrika kushinda Raila.”
Mohamed’s remarks were echoed by ODM National Chairperson John Mbadi, who emphasized that even if Mr. Odinga were to assume the AU Commission role, the party would remain robust in all matters of Kenyan politics.
Mbadi further underscored that the former premiere’s influence within the party will continue to be significant even if he secures the job.
“Raila’s stature and position in Africa is well documented. He has the capacity and competence to take up that leadership but that does not affect the position of ODM,” said the Nominated MP.
“Our leader is Raila Odinga and whatever he says goes…whether he is chair or not.”
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