Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo Reveals Plan to Ouster Edwin Sifuna As ODM Party SG

Gem Member of Parliament Elisha Odhiambo Akuba has announced his bid to contest for position of secretary-general in the upcoming  Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party elections next month.

The position is currently held by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.

In his remarks, Mr. Odhiambo said if elected he will foster unity and ensure party discipline in efforts to make ODM a stronger political outfit.

The vocal lawmaker also made comments touching on his party leader Raila Odinga’s African Union Commission chairmanship bid as well as on local politics..He said Raila should slow down on local politics and focus on his campaigns for the AU bid.

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“Our party leader is going to be the AU Commission chairperson because I believe he is competent for the seat. I also know that President William Ruto has put his foot down to campaign for him so that he is the next AU Commission chair.”

“For the avoidance of doubt, if we are looking to support our party leader, we ask him to pull back and leave politics to us for now. I know he has already said he is ready to transfer positions if he wins the AU position to former Governor Hasan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya.”

“I want to announce today when the party elections will be called, I will vie to be the secretary general of ODM because I want the party to be strong and form government in 2032 when I will vie,” said Odhiambo.

Despite the intensified talks on Raila’s succession both in the ODM party and in the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Alliance, the ODM boss has maintained that ‘he is not going anywhere,’ and will be around when called upon.

Elisha Odhiambo is immensely popular in his backyard of Gem and will for the first time be venturing into the national political platform with his challenge of the Nairobi Senator.

There’s an intricate balance, more of a silent pact that some of the top ODM Party posts should be held by non other than people from Western Kenya and Nyanza. Should Oparanya take over party leadership from Raila then Akuba’s chances will be bolstered.

If, on the other hand, it comes down to a straight run for the rope, Akuba might need more than political bravado to unseat Sifuna.