The race to fill key positions in the Kenyan Parliament has intensified following President William Ruto's appointment of four prominent ODM (Orange Democratic Movement) members to his Cabinet. Among the appointees are former governors Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya, as well as John Mbadi, chairman of the National Assembly's Public Accounts Committee, and Opiyo Wandayi, the National Assembly Minority Leader and ODM's secretary for political affairs.
With these appointments, there are vacancies in significant parliamentary roles. Suba North MP Millie Mabona and Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo have expressed interest in the positions held by Wandayi and Mbadi. Mabona clarified her ambitions, stating, "I do not want any deputy leadership position in Parliament. I have declared interest in minority leadership and I have not changed." She has garnered support from several women MPs, including Kisumu Town West's Rosa Buyu.
Additionally, Seme MP James Nyikal, Homa Bay Town MP Opondo Kaluma, and Nyando MP Jared Okelo are vying for Wandayi's position. The seat, designated for ODM through post-election negotiations in 2022, is highly contested. Insiders suggest that Amollo is a strong candidate to succeed Wandayi, pending the latter's potential approval for the Energy docket. As a lawyer, Amollo has been pivotal in defending ODM and the Azimio coalition's interests in court, notably during the 2017 and 2022 presidential petitions. He is seen as a level-headed leader capable of uniting the fragmented minority factions in Parliament.
Nyando MP Jared Okelo supports Amollo, emphasizing his loyalty to ODM principles and his experience. "Otiende has undivided attention to the principles of ODM; he has been around for seven years, and that is enough time to steer the minority side," Okelo noted, also highlighting their positive relationships with fellow MPs.
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John Ketora, the ODM Youth President, is vying to replace Mbadi as a nominated MP, as per ODM's nomination list submitted to the IEBC before the 2022 elections. If Amollo is not chosen, Okelo argues he deserves the role, citing the need for equitable representation, noting that Kisumu County currently lacks leadership representation compared to other Luo Nyanza counties.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who had initially sought the PAC chairmanship, has since stepped back, expressing satisfaction with his qualifications for other roles within the Parliament.
