Kisumu: ODM leaders applaud Raila for faith in Nyong’o

By Peter Ochieng

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders and members in Kisumu County have applauded Party leader Raila Odinga, for what they termed as having unwavering faith in Kisumu governor Anyang’ Nyong’o.

On Wednesday, Odinga and other members of the party’s central management committee appointed Nyong’o as ODM interim party leader, as Raila seeks to concentrate on campaigns for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, ahead of elections in February, 2024.

Addressing the press in Kisumu on Friday, members of the Kisumu County ODM coordination committee led by chairman Paul Akeyo, said Nyong’o can be banked on to steer the party forward in Odinga’s absence.

“We, the Kisumu County ODM coordination officials, take this earliest opportunity to congratulate our Governor, H.E Prof Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o on his nomination as the acting ODM party leader,” Akeyo said, while reading a statement on behalf of the others.

“We also thank our leader Rt Hon Raila Amolo Odinga and the Party’s Central management Committee for recognizing Prof. Nyong’os service and commitment to the party over the past few decades. The ODM fraternity in Kisumu have always had trust and confidence in Prof. Nyong’o because of his astute and visionary leadership,” he added.

Nyong’o was among leaders who formed ODM in 2005, before serving for years as the party’s pioneer Secretary General.

As the pioneer ODM Secretary General, Akeyo said, Prof. Nyong’o has worked hard to help grow the party to its current status.

Kisumu County Deputy Governor Mathews Ochieng Owili said even if Odinga is elected the next AUC chairman, he will remain in one way or another, the ODM party leader.

“We wish Odinga all the best. We know Presidents in Africa will vote to confirm him as AUC chairman. Baba (Raila) is not going anywhere. He is still our party leader,” he added.

His sentiments were echoed by Kisumu County Women Representative Ruth Odinga and Kisumu Central MP Joshua Odongo Oron.