A section of ODM leaders has asked party leader Raila Odinga to pass the reigns of leadership to former governor Wycliffe Oparanya. They explained that he was the most loyal and therefore deserving of the position should Raila retire and/or focus on his AU bid.
However, Oparanya, while warming up to the idea of being the successor, had a different, more relaxed perspective on it all.
“Raila is not leaving any time soon. The elections are next year. We have an entire year as ODM to chart the way forward. At the moment, our focus is on empowering our members as other opposition parties in various countries in Africa,” Oparanya stated in a recent interview.
Oparanya added that succession would not be an issue as the party would consult with Raila even after he leaves for Addis Ababa should he clinch the AU chairmanship.
The current governor of Kakamega, Hon. Fernandes has supported ODM Deputy Party Leader Wycliffe Oparanya to take over Raila’s position as the party leader.
“Oparanya has been steadfast in very many ways that have ensured the party remains vibrant and as Kakamega people we would like the party to acknowledge his efforts and make him party leader,” he said at a past function.
In the recent past, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga said that his two deputies and former Governors Hassan Joho (Mombasa) and Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega) can vie for the party leader position in the coming elections.
Raila insisted that no one should say the party leader position is reserved for him.
The ODM leader said that should the members feel that he is tired and it is time for someone new to lead the party, he would fully support their decision.