The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party has appointed Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o as interim leader following Raila Odinga’s decision to step back from leadership duties to focus on his campaign for the African Union (AU) Chairmanship.

The AUC elections are set for February next year.

According to ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, Nyong’o will lead the Central Management Committee until February 2025, overseeing key decisions within the party’s leadership structure.

“With the intense nature of the AU Chairmanship campaign, we need to ensure the Central Management Committee, which is chaired by the party leader, can function in Odinga’s absence.”

Sifuna dismissed claims that Nyong’o is being positioned to permanently take over the leadership of the ODM party.

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“When Raila Odinga is available, he will continue to chair the meetings. This is simply a move to avoid disruptions when the party leader is unavailable,” he said.

Nyong’o served in a similar position ten years ago when Odinga embarked on a month-long visit to the United States, coordinated by the African Presidential Center at Boston University.

Last month, Odinga appointed Governors Simba Arati (Kisii), Abdulswamad Nassir (Mombasa), and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi as deputy party leaders, unveiling an expanded ODM leadership.

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga was appointed National Chairperson following the exit of former Chairman John Mbadi, and deputies Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya, who joined President William Ruto’s Cabinet.

Additionally, Senator Hamida Kibwana, who was nominated, was named to the National Election Coordinating Committee, replacing East Africa Community and Regional Development Cabinet Secretary Beatrice Askul.

The committee is set to oversee grassroots elections in November, following a postponement from April this year due to the government's delays in political party funding disbursements.