Details of Raila’s Meeting with Kisii ODM Leaders Unveiled

A heated meeting between ODM leader Raila Odinga and party officials from the Gusii region failed to resolve pressing issues that have sparked recent discontent.

The meeting, held at a Nairobi hotel, followed an August 1 gathering of Gusii politicians who strategized after their region was excluded from recent Cabinet appointments. On Monday, the leaders, including MPs and party officials, confronted Raila, seeking explanations for the perceived marginalization.

Their grievances included the allocation of minority leadership positions in the National Assembly, which they feel favored Luo Nyanza MPs. They also questioned why Gusii did not receive any of the Cabinet slots allocated to ODM by President William Ruto. Additionally, they expressed concerns about the fairness of distributing top party leadership roles.

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Raila downplayed these concerns, urging the MPs to consider the need for regional balance within the party. “The positions are shared fairly to ensure regional balance without leaving any community out,” Raila reportedly said.

He denied claims of sidelining the Gusii region, asserting that Kisii and Nyamira are important to him. However, he promised to review some of the issues related to the distribution of leadership slots after MPs raised concerns about being underrepresented in committees.

For example, Bomachoge Borabu MP Obadiah Barongo complained about limited committee placements compared to their peers from other ODM regions. Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi inquired about the possibility of being considered for the Minority Leadership position, which is currently assigned to Suna East MP Junet Mohamed. Raila, however, was non-committal, suggesting that changes to the leadership positions were unlikely.

The meeting included Kisii Governor Simba Arati, ODM National Treasurer Timothy Bosire, and several MPs from the region. Notably, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka and Nyaribari Masaba MP Daniel Manduku were absent, as they were from a previous meeting on August 1.

There is growing discontent among ODM leaders from Kisii and Nyamira over the exclusion of their region from the party’s Cabinet nominations. This disaffection could potentially impact Raila’s efforts to strengthen support in the Gusii region, especially as he pursues the African Union Commission chairperson position.

Luo Nyanza, Raila’s stronghold, secured two Cabinet Secretary positions, while Kisii and Nyamira were left out. President Ruto’s nomination of Migosi Ogamba from Kisii County as Education Cabinet Secretary, pending National Assembly approval, raises concerns among ODM leaders that UDA’s influence in the region may increase.

Additionally, changes in top leadership positions in the National Assembly, following the appointment of ODM’s Wandayi as CS for Energy and Petroleum, have further alienated Gusii leaders. Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo will replace Junet Mohamed as Minority Whip, and Kibagendi has expressed interest in succeeding Wandayi.

There are also reports of potential new deputy party leaders, including Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, which could further marginalize Kisii and Nyamira counties.