ODM releases leaders nominated as CSs, reveals possible lineup after Mbadi, Wandayi resignation

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has officially released four of its leaders who were nominated to be considered for Cabinet Secretary positions in William Ruto’s government.

In a statement on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, the party noted that it had received the formal resignations of the leaders from their positions.

“The party has officially released its officials who were recently tapped by President William Ruto for national duty as Cabinet secretaries. I confirm that I have received the resignations of John Mbadi as National Chairperson, and Opiyo Wandayi as Secretary for Political Affairs. Wycliffe Oparanya and Hassan Joho as Deputy Party Leaders, and Beatrice Askul Moe as a member of the Party Elections Committee,” ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna said in a statement.

The party, however, noted that it had not entered into any agreement with the ruling party United Democratic Alliance (UDA), maintaining that it was still pushing the opposition agenda alongside other Azimio la Umoja- One Kenya coalition parties.

As a result of the changes occasioned by the nominations, the ODM party said it would be proposing Junet Mohamed to be the Leader of the Minority in the National Assembly to take over from Wandayi, who was nominated for the position of CS Energy and Petroleum.

Also, ODM noted that Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo will take up the position of Minority Whip in the National Assembly, while Saboti MP Caleb Amisi will take the powerful role of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chair and Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo will be the vice-chairperson of the Public Investments Committee (PIC).

ODM said it remained committed to the issues affecting the country despite its top leadership agreeing to work with the government.

“ODM remains committed to the idea of a national conversation to discuss the emerging issues that precipitated the current national crisis,” Sifuna said.

“That ODM fully supports the issues raised by Kenyans and Particularly Gen Z, and notes that they are neither new nor difficult to understand. The issues, including but not limited to equity, unemployment, run away corruption, were raised by Azimio last year, they came up following the election violence of 2007-2008 and found their way into the Peace Accord as Agenda Item Number Four, but were forgotten as soon as normalcy returned,” he added.