Nyando MP Jared Okello has explained why the ODM Party settled on Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga as the party’s acting leader following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
In an interview on Thursday, October 30, the MP cited Oburu's long-standing commitment to the party and his role in its formation.
"We settled on Oburu Odinga as acting party leader because of many things. First, he is Raila's brother and many times Raila consulted him on issues. He is a staunch member of the ODM Party and carries with him its rich history.
"Some of us were very young in 2005 when the ODM Party was being formed, but Oburu was at the center of that process," he said.
Okello added that the party needed an experienced hand to guide it through its political realignments, particularly in its ongoing engagement with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
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"Now that ODM has an arrangement with the Kenya Kwanza administration, who better to articulate ODM’s issues as we engage with the government than Oburu Odinga? Those are among the many considerations that qualified him," he added.
Okello further clarified that Oburu’s appointment as acting leader was a temporary measure pending formal ratification by the party’s National Delegates Conference (NDC).
He noted that ODM remains committed to internal democracy and transparency, assuring party members that any interested individuals will be given a fair opportunity to present themselves.
"However, if there is anyone who believes they can do a better job than Oburu Odinga, our National Delegates Conference will provide that platform. It is the final organ that will formally confirm him. Until then, he remains the acting party leader.
"Since ODM stands for democracy, anyone who feels they have stronger credentials than Oburu Odinga will have an opportunity to present their vision and policies," he further said.
This comes days after lawyer Nelson Havi urged ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna to move decisively and take charge of the party’s leadership.
In an interview on Monday, October 27, Havi argued that hesitation could lead to the party’s disintegration and division.
"Edwin Sifuna is my very good friend. I have some advice for him; accession to high office does not require hesitation. It doesn't require hesitation. When the king is killed, even in combat or in illness, the heir apparent must prepare for coronation quickly," he said.
Havi insisted that swift leadership action was necessary to prevent ODM from losing its national character and influence.
"So yes, he must not hesitate in taking over the leadership of ODM. In fact, by now, the ODM should have conglomerated at Chungwa House, taking over the leadership of this party.
"Otherwise, the leadership of the party will continue disintegrating. It will continue the division and fragmentation. It will end up being a party domiciled in Siaya County alone," he added.
