Orange Democratic Party ledaer Raila Odinga, has declared that his deputies and former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho and former Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya are eligible to contest for the party leader position in the upcoming elections.
Addressing supporters in Mombasa, Raila emphasized that the party leader position is not exclusively reserved for him, expressing his willingness to support any decision made by party members regarding leadership changes.
Asserting his non-indispensability, Raila stated his readiness to transition to other endeavors if ODM members opt for new leadership.
He highlighted the democratic process within the party, stating that county and constituency representatives will participate in the selection of national leaders, including the party leader. Raila underscored that the presidential candidacy for ODM is also open for consideration.
Raila emphasized the democratic ethos of the party, affirming that neither he nor anyone else is guaranteed the presidency automatically. He encouraged the participation of Joho and Oparanya in the leadership race, reiterating that the decision rests with the party members.
Furthermore, Raila expressed his aspiration to leave behind a functional democratic framework within the ODM party for future generations. He emphasized the importance of building strong institutions independent of any individual, envisioning a future where the party’s vitality is not contingent upon his leadership.
Raila highlighted ongoing efforts to bolster the party’s ranks through recruitment, recognizing that a stronger ODM translates to a stronger Azimio coalition. He underscored the collective effort to fortify both the party and the coalition for the challenges ahead.
