Gusii ODM Leaders Demand Answers from Raila in Heated Nairobi Meeting
A turbulent meeting between ODM leader Raila Odinga and party politicians from the Gusii region has failed to resolve key issues that have recently triggered uproar.
Held at a Nairobi hotel, the meeting came days after the ODM politicians convened on August 1 to strategize their approach following the region’s exclusion from Cabinet slots.
On Monday, leaders, including elected MPs and party officials from the region, demanded answers from Raila. Concerns were raised about the distribution of minority leadership positions in the National Assembly, which were largely taken up by MPs from Luo Nyanza. They also sought Raila’s explanation for the region’s failure to secure a share of the Cabinet slots allocated to ODM by President William Ruto.
During the meeting, Raila attempted to downplay these concerns, urging the ODM MPs to be considerate of the delicate regional balancing act the party must navigate.
“The positions are shared fairly to ensure regional balance without leaving any community out,” Raila reportedly told the politicians. He denied sidelining the Gusii region, asserting that both Kisii and Nyamira are strongholds he holds dear. Raila, however, promised to review the distribution of house leadership slots after MPs complained about being denied privileges.
Bomachoge Borabu’s Obadiah Barongo was among the MPs who complained about their limited committee assignments compared to their peers from other ODM support bases. Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi asked Raila to consider him for the Minority leadership position, currently earmarked for Suna East’s Junet Mohamed.
However, Raila was non-committal, indicating that significant changes in house leadership positions were unlikely. “We will look into that and see how we can balance committees,” Raila told the MPs.
The meeting was attended by Kisii Governor Simba Arati and ODM National Treasurer Timothy Bosire, among others. Notably absent were Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka and Nyaribari Masaba MP Daniel Manduku, both elected on ODM tickets. The two had also missed a preparatory meeting held on August 1 in Nairobi.
Discontent has been growing among ODM leaders from Kisii and Nyamira counties over perceived bias, especially after the region was excluded from the party’s share of CS nominations. This disaffection could undermine Raila’s efforts to consolidate the Gusii region’s support as he eyes the African Union Commission chairperson job.
Luo Nyanza, Raila’s stronghold, secured two CS slots, including John Mbadi (National Treasury) and Opiyo Wandayi (Ugunja), while Kisii and Nyamira were left out. Other CS slots went to Hassan Joho (ex-Mombasa governor), Wycliffe Oparanya (ex-Kakamega governor), and Beatrice Askul from Turkana County. President Ruto nominated Migosi Ogamba from Kisii County as the Education Cabinet Secretary, pending National Assembly approval.
There are concerns that ODM’s popularity in the region could be at risk if the party does not address the disaffection among its leaders. A new formula for ODM’s top leadership could further marginalize Kisii and Nyamira, with reports suggesting that Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi could become new deputy party leaders, succeeding Joho and Oparanya.
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Gusii ODM Leaders Demand Answers from Raila in Heated Nairobi Meeting
