Junet Mohamed, Millie Odhiambo Endorsed as ODM’s Top Leaders

Despite internal turmoil within the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition reaching new heights last month, the opposition has united to appoint Junet Mohamed and Millie Odhiambo as the new Minority Leader and Minority Whip in the National Assembly, respectively.

This development follows a period of friction within the coalition, exacerbated by Raila Odinga’s decision to include five allies in President William Ruto’s expanded cabinet.

During an Azimio parliamentary group meeting on Tuesday, August 6, the coalition endorsed the ODM candidates for these roles. ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna confirmed the appointments on X, expressing gratitude to Azimio’s constituent parties for their support and extending well-wishes to the new leaders.

However, he did not reveal the names of those who attended the meeting, which has sparked further speculation.

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The coalition’s internal discord became more pronounced when the Martha Karua-led NARC-Kenya party formally announced its intention to exit Azimio. NARC-Kenya’s Acting Secretary General Asha Bashir cited “prevailing political developments” as the reason for the departure in a letter dated July 25, 2024, addressed to Azimio Secretariat Secretary General Junet Mohamed.

This rift has been intensified by ODM’s recent actions. Following a Central Management Committee meeting chaired by Raila Odinga, the party proposed changes to its National Assembly leadership. Suna East MP Junet Mohamed was elevated to Minority Leader, replacing Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi, who has been appointed to the Energy docket. Additionally, Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo will take over as Minority Whip.

Junet Mohamed, a close ally of Odinga, is a seasoned politician known for his strong support of the party. His promotion is viewed as a strategic move to reinforce ODM’s position in the National Assembly.

Millie Odhiambo, known for her outspoken nature and staunch loyalty to ODM, will assume the role of Minority Whip, bringing her vigorous advocacy to the position.

In committee changes, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi will chair the Public Accounts Committee, succeeding nominated MP John Mbadi, who has been appointed as the CS for Treasury and National Planning. Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo will take on the role of vice chairperson of the Public Investments Committee, filling the spot left by Amisi.

Last month, Azimio Secretary General Edwin Sifuna stated that the proposed leadership changes would be presented to the Azimio parliamentary group for approval, underscoring the importance of broad consultations among party members to address the vacancies created by cabinet nominations.