Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has appointed Kisumu Governor Professor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o to head party affairs while Raila Odinga concentrates on African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson campaigns.
As such, Nyong’o will be chairing Central Management Committee on behalf of Raila Odinga who has acted as the outfit’s party leader since its inception.
“That in light of the grueling campaign schedule by our Party Leader and the need for him to focus on this, he has designated Peter Anyang Nyongo, the Governor Kisumu, to Chair any and such meetings of the Central Committee that may become necessary during periods of his absence,” ODM announced on Wednesday, September 11.
Kisii Governor, Simba Arati his Mombasa counterpart, Abdulswamad Nassir, and Busia Senator Osotsi who are the Deputy Party Leaders, and Gladys Wanga who serves as the National Chairperson of the party will continue leading the membership recruitment.
“The said would continue spearheading the exercise of membership recruitment in their areas of responsibility to keep the party strong,” the statement reads further.
Known as the Elders Council, the organ was formed in April as the Supreme authority to superintend all party organs as part of Raila’s strategy to protect ODM from any mischief in his absence.
Leaders Fighting for ODM Throne
Raila Odinga’s impending exit from the local political scene sparked intense jostling within the ODM party, as politicians scrambled to position themselves for a chance to fill his larger-than-life role.
Also Read: Govt Denies Holding a Fundraiser for Raila’s AUC Bid
Simba Arati, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Gladys Wanga, Embakasi MP Babu Owino and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna were said to be battling to succeed Raila.
However, some key figures within ODM were advocating for a caretaker committee to manage the party for the next five months as they await the outcome of the AUC chairperson elections, scheduled for February 2025.
Anyang’ Nyong’o is the former Senator for Kisumu County and the Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement.
Professional Career of Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o
The governor is an academician as his title, ‘Professor’, says and was the first Kenyan to receive a First Class Honors Degree at the Faculty of Social Science, Department of Political Science at East Africa’s oldest institution of higher learning.
The professor served as the Minister for Planning and National Development (2003-2005), and Minister for Medical Services (2008-2013).
He reformed KEMSA from being an agency to Authority independent from political interference and getting funding directly from the treasury.
Also Read: Babu Owino Issues Demand to ODM Leadership Over Raila Succession
He was appointed a United Nations advisor on local and regional government in September 2023.
Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o, who was appointed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, joined the global body’s advisory board.
He was to play a key role in strengthening the involvement of local and regional governments in intergovernmental planning processes.
Furthermore, Nyong’o has served on several international committees and Boards including the Africa Monitor; The Nelson Mandela Institute for Science Technology and the Advancement of Knowledge; and the UN Committee of Experts on Public Administration (CEPA).
H also served as the Vice President of East Africa for the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLGA).
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