ODM officials from Nairobi County have voiced strong support for Kisii Governor Simba Arati as a candidate for the deputy party leader position, signaling a pivotal moment for the 19-year-old party.
In a press statement, Nairobi ODM chairman George Aladwa endorsed Arati for one of the two vacant roles. These positions became available after President William Ruto appointed former governors Hassan Joho of Mombasa and Wycliffe Oparanya of Kakamega to cabinet positions. Additionally, Ruto nominated national chairman John Mbadi and Political Affairs Secretary Opiyo Wandayi to the Treasury and Energy ministries, respectively. Consequently, the four resigned from their party roles on Wednesday, as state officers are prohibited from holding political party positions under current laws. Despite their resignations, they remain ODM members.
Aladwa emphasized that Kisii, a stronghold for ODM, did not receive ministerial or parliamentary leadership positions and should be recognized with a senior party role.
On Wednesday, ODM proposed that Suna East MP Junet Mohammed replace Wandayi as the Minority Leader, with Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo stepping up as Minority Whip. Saboti MP Caleb Amisi will take over as chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, while Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo will serve as deputy to Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe on the Agriculture Committee.
Aladwa asserted, “Nairobi ODM officials unanimously support Kisii Governor Simba Arati for the deputy party leader role.” He praised Arati’s leadership skills, noting his effective mobilization and significant contributions to the party in Nairobi and Kisii County.
Arati, who served as MP for Dagoretti North for two terms before becoming Kisii’s governor, is recognized for his engagement with youth and his dedication to party growth. Aladwa urged ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga to consider Arati for the position.
Although ODM has yet to announce when it will fill the vacancies, party insiders suggest interim appointments may be made. The party’s grassroots elections, initially scheduled for April, were postponed indefinitely due to severe flooding.
National Election Coordination Committee chairperson Emily Awita stated, “The elections scheduled for April 27, 29, and 30 are temporarily postponed due to flooding and other challenges caused by heavy rains. We will reschedule these elections as soon as conditions improve.”
