Another aide of Raila Odinga is poised to secure a prominent position in the government. This comes just hours after key figures such as Hassan Joho, Opiyo Wandayi, and John Mbadi were inducted into President William Ruto’s cabinet.
Millie Odhiambo, the Suba North Member of Parliament, has been endorsed by ODM women MPs for the role of Minority Leader in the National Assembly.
The endorsement was voiced by Kisumu West MP, Rozaah Buyu, during a parliamentary session, urging Speaker Moses Wetangula to consider Odhiambo for the post. Buyu emphasised that it was time for a woman to take up this significant leadership role, highlighting the contributions of women in supporting the party.
Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo
Odhiambo’s potential appointment follows the nomination of Ugenya MP, James Opiyo Wandayi, as the new Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary. Wandayi’s transition to the executive branch necessitates his resignation as both Minority Leader and an MP, creating a vacancy that Odhiambo is well-positioned to fill.
President Ruto’s announcement of his cabinet nominees, including Joho for the Mining portfolio and Mbadi for the Treasury, marks a strategic move that has stirred reactions within ODM. Rozaah Buyu’s comments reflect the loyalty and dedication of ODM women MPs to their party, asserting their readiness to take on more significant roles within the government.
This political reshuffle occurs amid allegations of internal divisions within ODM, following the integration of some of its leaders into Ruto’s administration.
Raila Odinga, the Azimio party leader, has dismissed claims of collaborating with the president, instead calling for a national dialogue to address critical issues raised by Kenyans. He reiterated his support for the youth protests, aligning with their demands for accountability and justice.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Odhiambo’s anticipated appointment as Minority Leader underscores the dynamic shifts and the increasing recognition of women’s roles in Kenyan politics.
