By Grace Gilo
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) convened a meeting of its Central Committee chaired by Party Leader H.E Raila Amolo Odinga.
Following the meeting, Raila appointed Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o to lead the Central Committee meetings while he intensified his campaign for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship.
“That in light of the gruelling campaign schedule by our Party Leader and the need for him to focus on this, he has designated H.E Peter Anyang Nyongo, the Governor Kisumu, to Chair any and such meetings of the Central Committee that may become necessary during periods of his absence,” read the statement in part from the party’s Secretary General, Edwin Sifuna.
The SG indicated that the committee addressed other affairs including the state of affairs in the Kakamega County Assembly which he deemed unacceptable.
The Party officially designated Hon. Geoffrey Ondiro as the majority leader, however, this directive has repeatedly been frustrated by individuals led by the County Governor, the Speaker and the former leader of the Majority Hon Maina.
“The Committee has therefore resolved to summon the three to appear before it at a date to be communicated. In the meantime, the Party insists that forthwith, the Speaker must implement its directives and further that all purported changes to committee membership/leadership be and are hereby revoked,” Sifuna remarked.
The ODM committee tasked two deputy Party leaders, Hon Simba and Hon. Osotsi to hold an urgent meeting with all stakeholders in Kilifi to resolve wrangles between ODM members in Kilifi County.
“That the Party has received complaints of wrangling within its ranks in Kilifi County. Two deputy Party leaders, Hon Simba and Hon. Osotsi to hold an urgent meeting with all stakeholders in Kilifi to resolve this matter. They shall be joined by the National Organizing Secretary, Hon. Abdisalan,” noted the Secretary General.
Sifuna further urged ODM members to maintain discipline and refrain from actions or statements that could undermine the Party and its structures.
He reminded the members that all official Party meetings must be organized and communicated through the National Secretariat, and they should disregard invitations to any meetings that originate elsewhere.
“Invitations to any meetings of any organs of the Party not originating from the National Secretariat should henceforth be ignored,” the secretary general stated.
Additionally, the ODM committee assigned the National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC) the task of preparing for the postponed grassroots elections scheduled for November.
“That the NECC be and is hereby directed to prepare to hold the postponed grassroots elections in the Month of November. The committee has further proposed the Hon. Hamida Kibwana to replace Hon. Beatrice Askul on the NECC,” read the statement.