In a surprising turn of events, Raila Odinga, former Prime Minister of Kenya and leader of the ODM party, has officially endorsed his successors during a media press conference held today. The announcement comes amidst speculation and uncertainty surrounding the future leadership of the party, particularly in the wake of Odinga’s decision to venture into continental politics as the head of the African Union Commission.
In a video shared by NTV on March 7, Raila Odinga revealed that he is backing Former Mombasa Governor Honorable Hassan Joho and Former Kakamega County Governor Honorable Wycliffe Oparanya to take over the reins of the ODM party. This endorsement marks a significant shift in the political landscape, as Odinga identifies the individuals he believes are best suited to lead the party into the future.
The decision to endorse Joho and Oparanya comes at a critical juncture for the ODM party and the larger Azimio coalition, amidst reports of internal divisions over who should succeed Odinga and lead the coalition into the 2027 Presidential contest.
Notably, Odinga’s endorsement sidelines prominent figures like Kalonzo Musyoka and Martha Karua, indicating a divergence in their political trajectories from that of the ODM party leadership.
The endorsement of Joho and Oparanya by Raila Odinga signifies a strategic move to ensure continuity and stability within the ODM party while he transitions to a broader political role on the African continent.
As speculation and debate continue to swirl within political circles, Odinga’s decision is likely to have far-reaching implications for the future direction of Kenyan politics.
