ODM leader and African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship hopeful, Raila Odinga, is currently presiding over a three-day ODM retreat in Mombasa. This significant event comes at a time when Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua faces a potential impeachment, stirring political tension in the country.

The retreat, which began on Friday, October 11, 2024, and will conclude on Sunday, marks the first major gathering of ODM members since the impeachment process against Gachagua commenced. While party officials insist the retreat will focus on internal ODM matters, the backdrop of Gachagua’s possible ouster has inevitably influenced discussions.

Gachagua Impeachment: Rising Political Tensions

The potential impeachment of Deputy President Gachagua has heightened tensions between Kenya Kwanza and ODM, with Gachagua’s allies accusing ODM of playing a central role in the political manoeuvring. Members of the Kenya Kwanza coalition claim that ODM is deliberately undermining their leadership, further aggravating the political climate.

In an interview, Embakasi North MP James Gakuyu expressed frustration, stating, “William Ruto and the mover of the motion could not have won this battle if Raila was not involved; Raila came in for a purpose.” This comment highlights the escalating political stakes surrounding the impeachment process.

The impeachment motion has now advanced to the Senate, where ODM’s 20 senators will play a critical role in determining the outcome. To block the motion, Gachagua will need the support of at least 23 senators, meeting the required two-thirds majority.

The focus of the ODM Retreat

Despite the external political pressures, ODM leaders have emphasized that the retreat’s main agenda is to focus on internal party matters. Geoffrey Osotsi, ODM’s Deputy Party Leader, clarified that the gathering was planned well before recent developments, stating, “We are just having an NEC retreat and not discussing local politics.”

One of the key topics to be discussed during the retreat is the upcoming grassroots elections, which were postponed in April due to flooding. Osotsi confirmed, “We will direct the National Election Coordinating Committee to commence preparations for the grassroots elections in November.”

The National Executive Council (NEC) will also review and approve recent party appointments, including the naming of Simba Arati, Abdulswamad Nassir, and Vihiga Senator as deputy party leaders. These appointments, confirmed in August, underline the significance of the retreat in shaping ODM’s future leadership structure.

Kenya Kwanza Allies Express Concern

Meanwhile, Gachagua’s allies have not hidden their displeasure, with Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu and MP Gakuyu accusing ODM of meddling in Kenya Kwanza affairs. The strain between the two coalitions adds further weight to the Senate’s upcoming vote on Gachagua’s future, with both sides jockeying for crucial political ground.

As the retreat continues and the political stakes rise, Raila Odinga’s ODM leadership and his African Union aspirations remain key factors in Kenya’s political landscape. The outcome of the Senate vote, as well as the conclusions from this NEC retreat, will likely have lasting effects on Kenya’s leadership and political alliances.

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