Saboti MP Caleb Amisi has voiced his support for Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as the ideal candidate to succeed Raila Odinga as the leader of the ODM party if Odinga pursues the position of African Union Commission Chairperson. Amisi believes the party is in need of fresh, young leadership, and Sifuna, with his energy, charisma, and ability to connect with youthful supporters, is well-suited for the role.
Amisi emphasized that Sifuna could effectively represent the party’s interests while Raila seeks the AU post. He suggested that Siaya Governor James Orengo, who is also considered for party leadership, should take on an advisory role. "In my view, Edwin Sifuna should take over as party leader temporarily while Baba campaigns for the continental position, and James Orengo should chair a council of elders to advise the party," Amisi posted on X. He added, "The ODM party needs youthful blood to inject new energy and rejuvenate Africa's largest democratic party."
Amisi's comments come shortly after Sifuna revealed in an interview with Spice FM that he had been encouraged to stay in his current role as ODM Secretary-General, despite initially aspiring to become the party’s Deputy Leader.
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Sifuna explained that when he expressed his interest in the deputy position, he was persuaded to remain in his current role, as it was considered the "heart" of the ODM party. "I saw the deputy leader position as a promotion from Secretary-General, but I was told that certain roles are vital to the party and shouldn't be vacated," Sifuna stated.
He did not disclose who persuaded him to stay in his current position.
The deputy party leader roles became vacant after Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya were appointed to President William Ruto's Cabinet. The positions were expanded to three, with Governors Simba Arati (Kisii) and Abdulswamad Nassir (Mombasa) filling two of the slots, and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi taking the third. Sifuna remains the party’s Secretary-General.
