- In a statement on X, Nyong’o welcomed the decision of the party and expressed gratitude to Raila.
- The Kisumu county boss said he is up to the task and ready to fill Raila’s shoes, albeit in an acting capacity.
Image: ANYANG' NYONG'O/X
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has welcomed his elevation to the post of acting ODM party leader in Raila Odinga’s stead as the former Prime Minister focuses his energies on the African Union Commission chairmanship.
Secretary General Edwin Sifuna said in a statement that the resolution to settle on the Professor followed a meeting of the Central Committee—the party’s topmost decision-making organ on Wednesday afternoon.
“In light of the gruelling campaign schedule by our Party Leader and the need for him to focus on this, he has designated Peter Anyang Nyongo, the Governor Kisumu, to chair any and such meetings of the Central Committee that may become necessary during periods of his absence,” Sifuna said.
In a statement on X, Nyong’o welcomed the decision of the party and expressed gratitude to Raila.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our leader, Rt Hon. Raila Odinga, and the ODM party’s Central Management Committee for entrusting me with the responsibility of acting party leader. I deeply appreciate the confidence you have placed in me to oversee the party while Baba attends to his international duties,” the statement reads.
The Kisumu county boss said he is up to the task and ready to fill Raila’s shoes, albeit in an acting capacity.
“To the entire ODM family across the country, I assure you that we will continue to follow Baba's path as we elevate our great party to even greater heights. Chama iko imara!” he said.
Nyong’o boasts a checkered career of active engagement in national politics and is one of Raila’s most trusted insiders.
He was first elected Kisumu governor in the 2017 elections, having served his first stint in the devolved unit as senator from 2013.
Nyong’o is also a former Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement.
He is also a former Member of Parliament for Kisumu Rural, an ex-minister of Planning and National Development during the Kibaki era, and was minister for medical services.
Nyong’o was also the first Kenyan to receive a First Class Honors Degree at the Faculty of Social Science, Department of Political Science at East Africa's oldest institution of higher learning.
His appointment to act as ODM party leader in Raila’s stead now serves to elevate his status yet again in national politics and may serve to also slow down succession politics in the opposition outfit.