Writes Leo Odera Omolo In Kisumu CITY

The impending ODM national officials party election, scheduled for February next year, is likely to be crowded by many contestants.

The coveted important position of the party Secretary – General is expected to be the most crowded. The position is currently held by the Kisumu Senator Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o who has held it for close to ten years. However, the post seemed to have attracted many party stalwarts, particularly the group of the younger generation, calling themselves the Young Turks.

The group comprising mostly first time members of Parliament has one old and experienced party stalwart in the name of Prof. Larry Gumbe and the Budalangi MP Ababu Namwamba.

Others reported to be interested in the same post to included the outspoken Gwassi MP John Mbadi, Kisumu Town West MP Ken Obura, Ndhiwa MP Augustino Neto Oyugi. Also reported by some unconfirmed sources to be eyeing the same position is the ODM Executive Director Magerer Lang’at who is the immediate former MP for Kipkellion.

The young Turks blamed the old guard for having largely contributed to the party’s devastating defeat in the March 14 general election due to their laxity and poor leadership.

The name of the Siaya Senator JAMES Aggrey Orengo has been featuring prominently in other quarters as the one who is likely to succeed Prof Nyong”o. The incumbent of late has been keeping low profile over party activities.

Speaking to this writer via the phone, Prof Gumbe said ODM needs principled and consistent leadership to guide the party become a true grassroots visionary and democratic political movement which will lead Kenya into industrialization.

Ends