Siaya Governor and Raila Odinga's trusted ally, James Orengo, has strongly asserted that the next leader of the Azimio la Umoja coalition must be a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.
Orengo’s comments unearthed critical discussions within the coalition about leadership succession and the significant role of ODM within the political alliance.
"The next Azimio party leader is subject to discussion. However, it must reflect the strength of the party within the outfit," Orengo emphasised.
The Siaya Governor explained that his demand must be met because the ODM party is the largest stakeholder in the coalition.
"That is not only in the standing orders but also in the Azimio instruments. The ODM party is, by far, a major stakeholder in the coalition," the governor stated.
Orengo's comments come amidst ongoing deliberations on the future direction of Azimio la Umoja as some co-principals jump ship.
Speaking at the anniversary service of his nephew in Sifuyo in West Ugenya, he stressed that the coalition's internal regulations and instruments underline the preeminence of ODM within the alliance, a factor that should significantly influence the decision of the next leader.
"The rules and the standing orders at the national assembly and the senate, nominations in terms of seats of both the houses depend on the strength of the political parties within the coalition," Orengo explained.
"The same rules apply as lawyers would say 'mutatis mutandis' which means what is applied in the senate and the national assembly prevails in the manner in which individual member parties belonging to a coalition are given seats."
Orengo further clarified that ODM's dominant position within Azimio is evident in the national assembly leadership, where the party has consistently secured key positions.
"Nothing has changed in the national assembly leadership. The individuals who were nominated and accepted to serve as CSs, the new people who have been appointed to replace them in those positions are also from ODM," he stated.
The comments of Raila Odinga’s righthand man place Azimio co-principals Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, Peter Munya, and Jeremiah Kioni in a compromising situation.
The co-principals claimed to have been caught by surprise after President William Ruto nominated members of the opposition to cabinet positions, prompting them to demand an explanation from the embattled Azimio leader.
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