Raila Odinga Hands Over ODM Leadership To Anyang' Nyong'o As He Shifts Focus To AUC Seat

• ODM party leader Raila Odinga has handed over party leadership to Kisumu governor Anyang' Nyong'o to focus on his campaign for the AUC chairmanship
• ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna confirmed that Nyong'o will chair Central Committee meetings during Raila's absence
• Sifuna assured ODM members of continued transparency in managing party affairs and urged them to avoid actions that could undermine the party
• The ODM National Secretariat will oversee all sanctioned party meetings, with unauthorised invitations to be disregarded

Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi - ODM party leader Raila Odinga has handed over the party leadership to long-term ally Kisumu governor Anyang' Nyong'o.

In a statement on Wednesday, September 11, ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna confirmed that the party’s Central Committee had decided to allow Raila to fully dedicate himself to his AUC bid.

The veteran politician will rely on the county chief to manage the party’s affairs during his absence.

"In light of the gruelling campaign schedule by our Party Leader and the need for him to focus on this, he has designated H.E 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," Sifuna stated.

Sifuna explained that the central committee's regular meetings allow them to deliberate on internal party affairs and matters affecting the people and the nation of Kenya at large.

ODM calls party members to order

He further reassured party members that ODM’s internal affairs would continue to be managed transparently and urged them to remain disciplined.

"All Party members must continue to remain disciplined and avoid actions and words that undermine the Party and its organs. Members are reminded that all sanctioned Party meetings must and shall be organized and communicated through the National Secretariat. Invitations to any meetings of any organs of the Party not originating from the National Secretariat should henceforth be ignored," Sifuna added.

Sifuna stated that, as a party founded on multi-party democracy and the participation of the people, all its affairs are conducted openly, and it always briefs the public on the deliberations and resolutions.

Why is Raila taking break from local politics

Earlier, Raila announced he is taking a break from local politics to focus on his African Union Commission chairperson campaign.

The former prime minister stated his shift toward continental politics, with the AUC election set for February 2025.

Raila emphasised that while he would be less active in Kenyan politics, he remains committed to his continental campaign.

He described this period as a transitional phase, moving from active involvement in Kenyan politics to a focus on African leadership.

Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke

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