The last minute change: Intrigues behind Raila picking Governor Nyong'o for top ODM appointment

Intrigues are starting to emerge on how Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party leader Raila Odinga designated Kisumu Governor Peter Anyang Nyongo as chair of the party’s Central Committee meetings as he shifts his focus to his bid for chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC).

However, questions about how the party arrived at Governor Nyong’o and why they limited his responsibilities to chairing meetings of the central committee rather than according to him the party leadership role that comes with a key decision-making mandate as the party leader.

Details have emerged on how tables turned in the last minute before the press declaration of the Kisumu Governor as the party leader.

Ramogi TV has learned of a twist that left the National Executive Committee (NEC) members with little to do but toe the line.

‘’I was late to that meeting and my brother called me asking my whereabouts saying they had overruled Jakom’s (Odinga) idea to have an interim appointment to party leadership. They have instead picked Anyang’ to be the party leader,’’ said a source who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Making an unexpected entrance to the central committee meeting, the source noted that he demanded the prepared press briefing which had named Nyong'o as the party leader.

He said that after further deliberations, the committee resolved to rename Nyong'o's role to avoid political tension if Mr Odinga fails to clinch AU's plump job.

”I got in and asked for the resolution with the press statement, when I saw it trust me it was clear the party was gone, I asked the members what if Jakom comes back, what happens? So redefine the role and don’t interrupt with party leadership,” the source added.

The committee had little to do but went back to define roles that the professor would take up.

“...in light of the gruelling campaign schedule by our Party Leader and the need for him to focus on this, he has designated H.E Peter Anyang Nyong'o, the Governor Kisumu, to chair any and such meetings of the Central Committee that may become necessary during periods of his absence.” the party statement read.

The decision would later become sour for the party's women's league who had an ongoing plan to bid Odinga bye in a celebration that was being set up in Nairobi and were forced to shelve the planned jamboree.

ODM was even forced to clear the air on Governor Nyong'o's position after tensions started to simmer.

The party wrote on X saying: ‘’… CLARIFICATION: The ODM Party Leader is @RailaOdinga. However, due to the nature of the AUC Chairperson’s Campaign which requires his direct involvement, he has designated Prof @Anyang Nyongo, the Governor of Kisumu County to Chair meetings of the Central Management Committee which is the only organ of the Party that he chairs."

Following the reshuffles made in the party, it is reportedly unclear how long it will take to fill the party leadership position should Odinga clinch the Africa top job.

Siaya Governor James Orengo and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga are among 5 candidates who are eyeing the position.