Kisii County Governor Simba Arati has made a good start just days after being appointed deputy party leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Arati took the leadership firmly in his hands by calling an important meeting to strengthen the grassroots movement.
The incumbent Governor received leading politicians from the Nyanza region in Kisumu on Saturday evening, August 10, 2024.
In a statement on Sunday, August 11, 2024, the ODM party noted that Arati had urged leaders and members of Nyanza region to stand firm.
Other local leaders joined him, including Siaya Governor James Orengo.
The Honourable@SimbaAratiA meeting with party leaders from Nyanza region was held in Kisumu yesterday evening. He urged them to remain loyal to the party and strengthen it in their areas of responsibility. Gvn@orengo_jamesSenator Eddy Oketch was present. pic.twitter.com/B0hK7Z9FGp
— The ODM Party (@TheODMparty) 11 August 2024
Deputy Party Leaders of the ODM
The former MP was appointed deputy party leader alongside Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi.
The three replaced former governors Ali Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya, who all joined President William Ruto’s cabinet.
The party also retained Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as Secretary General and party spokesperson.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga was chosen to replace John Mbadi as national chairperson.
Kakuta Maimai, MP for Kajiado East, was appointed Secretary for Special Programmes and Social Welfare, Rahab Robi (Migori CEC) was appointed Secretary for Publicity and Information, Rosa Buyu (MP for Kisumu West) was appointed Secretary for Political Affairs and Ruth Odinga (Kisumu Woman Rep) was appointed Deputy Organising Secretary.
“These vacancies have generated great interest among our members. We would like to thank everyone who has offered to help and acknowledge that many of them have already rendered great service to the party,” Sifuna said in a statement.
“While not all of us can take the lead at the same time, we want to encourage those who may not get the nod that there is always an opportunity for all of you to contribute.”
Parliamentary changes
Previously, the ODM had also recommended changes in parliamentary leadership after Opiyo Wandayi left office and was appointed Minister of Energy.
The ODM party therefore supported Junet Mohamed, MP for Suna East, as Minority Leader and Millie Odhiambo, MP for Suba North, as Whip in the National Assembly.
“The Azimio PG meeting unanimously approved the proposals of the ODM to appoint Junet Mohamed and Millie Odhiambo as the new Minority Leader and Whip respectively in the National Assembly,” Sifuna said on X.
