Saboti MP Caleb Amisi now says that Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna is the best fit to replace ODM party leader Raila Odinga, if he goes to the African Union Commission.
According to Amisi, the party needs fresh and young blood to rejuvenate adding that Sifuna brings on board new energy, charisma and the dedication of youthful supporters.
The legislator insisted that the Nairobi Senator can champion the interests of the party even as Raila seeks to become the new African Union Commission chairperson.
"It is my considered view that Edwin Sifuna should serve as party leader to hold brief for baba as he campaigns for the coveted continental post while James Orengo to chair a supreme council of Elders that will form advisory to the party," Amisi said on X.
"The ODM party is ripe for youthful blood. The rejuvenation of Africa's biggest democratic party lies in the freshness, energy, charisma, enthusiasm and dedication of its youthful supporters!"
Amisi said Siaya Governor James Orengo who is among those tipped to take over the leadership of the party can play an advisory role to the fresh leadership.
His remarks come a few days after Sifuna disclosed that he was persuaded to drop his bid to become ODM's deputy party leader.
Speaking to Spice FM, Sifuna said that once he made his intention known, he was persuaded not to leave the Secretary-General position.
He said that it was explained to him that his current position is the heart of the ODM party and he could not leave it to seek another.
Sifuna noted that to him, becoming the Orange party's deputy party leader would be a promotion from his current role.
"I had aspired to move from my position as SG of the party (ODM) and move up to the deputy party leader's position which in my view was a promotion but I was given this story about 'heart' that there are certain positions that are at the heart of the party that you cannot vacate to seek others and so on and so forth," Sifuna said.
The Nairobi Senator, however, did not say who it was that persuaded him.
After the appointment of former Deputy Party leaders Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya to the Cabinet by President William Ruto, the seats fell vacant.
The deputy party leader positions were expanded to three, with Governors Simba Arati (Kisii) and Nassir (Mombasa) occupying two slots.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi was named the third Deputy Party leader, as Sifuna retained his role as Secretary General.
