As the Orange Democratic Party (ODM) Leader Raila Odinga continues his campaign for the Africa Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship position, talk about who should succeed him in the party persists.
Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi on Tuesday, September 10, recommended that Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna should hold the position in the short term as Odinga continues his quest for the AUC job.
“It is my considered view that Edwin Sifuna should serve as party leader to hold brief for Raila as he campaigns for the coveted continental post while James Orengo to chair a supreme council of elders that will form advisory to the party,” the MP stated.
He added that the ODM party needs youthful leadership.
“The ODM Party is ripe for youthful blood. The rejuvenation of Africa’s biggest democratic party lies in the freshness, energy, charisma, enthusiasm, and dedication of its youthful supporters!”
Also read: ODM Responds to Reports of Raila Odinga’s Retirement
Changes in Leadership in ODM
However, in a recent interview, Sifuna said he would stick to his secretary general position even after he had considered going for the deputy party leader position, which was left vacant after President William Ruto appointed Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya to the cabinet.
After the cabinet appointments, ODM chose Governors Simba Arati, Abdulswamad Nassir, and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi as its deputy party leaders. Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga was picked to replace John Mbadi as the national chairman.
Also read: Raila Odinga Names Preferred Successors as He Eyes AU Job
Raila Celebrates Africa Union (UN) Day as He Bids for the AUC Position
September 9 was Africa Union (AU) Day and Odinga commemorated it calling for unity and the development of the continent.
“We must recognize the challenges we continue to face as a continent and the work that lies ahead in building the Africa we want, to realize the vision and goals articulated in the continental development framework Agenda 2063.”
On his bid for the AUC position, Odinga said, “If elected to become the next African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, my goal in collaboration with Heads of State and Government will be to enhance and accelerate efforts to make AU a people-centered organization, to effectively serve the interests of all African citizens.”
President William Ruto supports Odinga’s quest for the AUC job having launched his bid for the position in August at State House. Various African leaders attended the event, including Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, and Salva Kiir of South Sudan.
