Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang'wa has raised questions over the ODM Party's succession decisions, even as he congratulated Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga on his approval as the party’s new leader.
In a statement on Friday, November 14, the senator commended Oburu for his elevation but questioned why ODM overlooked its own deputy party leaders when selecting a new boss.
"As I congratulate my Senate colleague, Sen. Oburu Odinga, on being approved as the ODM Party Leader, my mind still wonders: among the three current Deputy Party Leaders of ODM, did none of them qualify to climb the ladder?" he posed.
On Thursday, November 13, Oburu was officially appointed as the new Party Leader, succeeding the late Raila Odinga.
In a statement, Suna East MP Junet Mohammed confirmed the development, noting that the decision was made during the ODM National Governing Council (NGC) meeting held in Mombasa.
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"I congratulate Sen. Dr. Oburu Odinga on his assumption of the ODM Party Leader role. The ODM National Governing Council (NGC) sitting in Mombasa has this evening approved and affirmed Dr. Oburu as the new Party Leader, to take over from the departed dear leader, Raila Odinga," he said.
In a separate statement, the ODM Party announced a series of additional leadership appointments approved during the same meeting.
"Also approved are Deputy Party Leaders Abdulswamad Nassir, Simba Arati and Godfrey Osotsi. Others are Vice Chairpersons Ariko Namoit and Otiende Amollo. Kisumu Woman Rep Ruth Odinga and Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu had their appointments as Deputy Organizing Secretary and Secretary of Political Affairs respectively.
"They assume office subject to ratification by the National Delegates Convention (NDC)," the statement read.
This comes weeks after Thang’wa and Nyandarua Senator John Methu paid a visit to Oburu at his home.
The visit came in the wake of Oburu’s new leadership role in ODM following the passing Raila who led the party for decades.
Thang’wa noted that their main purpose was to show support and comfort to the veteran legislator as he transitions into his new responsibilities.
"Early this morning, Senator Methu and I paid a courtesy call to the ODM Party Leader and our colleague in the Senate, Sen. Oburu Odinga, at his home.
"We went to pay our respects and offer comfort, especially as he takes on the great responsibility of stepping into the late Raila Odinga’s shoes," he said.
Thang’wa further described the meeting as an opportunity for mentorship, saying that younger leaders continue to draw inspiration from Oburu’s wealth of experience.
"As young leaders, we had the privilege to learn from his deep wisdom, shared through his endless stories and real-life experiences," he added.
