Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has declared that any member has the right to vie for the party leader position in the upcoming party elections.
Speaking while in Mombasa on Wednesday February 13, Raila emphasized that the ODM party leader position was not reserved for him.
Raila explained that his two deputies, who are also former governors Hassan Joho (Mombasa) and Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega) are free to vie for the party leader role in the upcoming ODM elections.
The ODM party leader noted that he is willing to hand over leadership of the party to another person if members feel that he is too tired to serve.
Raila Odinga said he will respect the decision of ODM members if they pick someone else to lead the party, adding that there are other roles for him to play.
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“Now those from the county and constituency will go to the national delegates’ convention and there, they will choose all the national leaders. Even a new party leader will be chosen. If they choose Baba (Raila), it is okay, if they don’t choose him it’s fine. It’s democracy.
“No one should say that Baba is an automatic candidate for the presidency. Hassan Joho is a deputy party leader of ODM, Oparanya is a deputy party leader of ODM, and they are entitled to vie for the seat of ODM party leader. ODM’s presidential candidate position is also on the table.
“If we agree, Baba should continue it’s fine. If they see that Baba is tired and should sit aside and let someone else try. It is okay. That is what democracy is. If Mama Ida says that Baba is tired, he cannot continue, it is fine,” Raila Odinga said.
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Raila explained that he wants to leave ODM to the next generation of leaders, when there are proper working democratic systems within the party.
He also revealed that his dream was to have a strong party that can function smoothly without his input.
“That is what I want to bequeath the future generation of our country. A democratic system that is working. Strong institutions that are working, not things which are personalised ati Raila akitoka ODM imekwisha. Hapana,” stated Raila.
ODM leaders are currently recruiting new members across the country to strengthen itself and the Azimio coalition party.
This was after Raila launched a nationwide ODM membership recruitment exercise on November 11, 2023.
At that time, Raila said the massive recruitment exercise was part of the preparations for the party elections to be held in March 2024.
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“Members can register at the party branches across all constituencies in the country,” said Raila.
He added that the membership registration will be continuous at all ODM party branches in the country.
