Kakamega county assembly majority leader Philip Maina addressing supporters outside Mowar Roho Israel Church at Bungasi in Mumias constituency on Sunday/IMAGE /HILTON OTENYO
A dynamic shift is brewing within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party as a faction of leaders is advocating for Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa to ascend to the position of Deputy Party Leader. This proposed move represents a significant potential reshaping of party leadership in the region, especially with the National Delegates Conference (NDC) on the horizon.
The push for Barasa’s leadership candidacy is spearheaded by Kakamega County Assembly Majority Leader Philip Maina. In a clear statement of intent, Maina has expressed the belief that Deputy ODM Leader Godfrey Osotsi should step aside in favor of Barasa, emphasizing that Osotsi’s recent actions have strayed from the party’s foundational principles.
Maina articulated his concerns regarding Osotsi, citing an alignment with a parallel political movement that no longer echoes the ODM’s core values. According to Maina, maintaining a senior leadership position in the ODM while associating with factions that undermine its direction is simply untenable. “You cannot hold a senior leadership position in ODM while at the same time associating with formations that undermine the party’s values and direction,” Maina asserted passionately.
The case for Governor Barasa is built on his status as the Kakamega ODM Chairman and his political clout in the region. Maina argued that Barasa’s exemplary leadership has demonstrated a strong commitment to the party, positioning him as the ideal candidate to bolster ODM’s influence in Western Kenya. “Western Kenya remains a key pillar of ODM, and Governor Barasa has demonstrated leadership and commitment to the party, and he fits the bill,” Maina stated, underscoring Barasa’s pivotal role in fostering party loyalty.
Meanwhile, Osotsi has remained unperturbed, commenting on the internal turbulence during a recent event in Rosterman, Kakamega. He remarked that he is prepared for any eventuality within the party, revealing a self-awareness of his precarious position. He maintained that the party refrained from ousting him alongside formidable Secretary General Edwin Sifuna “because they feared chasing away two Luhyas at a go.” This admission exposes underlying tensions and the delicate navigation of alliances within ODM.
Osotsi has also hinted at his critical involvement with the Linda Wananchi movement, emphasizing his commitment to the party and its governance challenges. His resolve to stay loyal while addressing discrepancies highlights the complexity of party dynamics amidst contrasting political ambitions.
The momentum behind Barasa’s candidacy gains additional traction as the NDC approaches—a vital forum for ratifying key leadership decisions and policy directions. It is a critical time for the ODM party, as discussions and decisions made at the conference will influence both immediate and long-term strategies.
In a show of support, Mumias Central MCA Ali Okomba has echoed sentiments of loyalty, arguing that Barasa deserves recognition for his steadfast commitment to the party. Okomba articulated, “Leadership must reflect loyalty and commitment to the party, and Governor Barasa has demonstrated exactly that by ensuring ODM remains visible in the whole county.” This endorsement underscores the collective sentiment within the Kakamega political leadership, rallying around Barasa’s recognized contributions since assuming the role of ODM Chairperson for Kakamega County.
An additional layer of complexity comes from the emergence of distinct factions within ODM, namely the Linda Ground and Linda Wananchi groupings. Each faction is reportedly pushing for parallel NDCs, causing ripples of contention as they vie for influence within the party. The schism threatens to dilute ODM’s cohesive strategy and could have broader implications for its electoral prospects.
As the party rallies to navigate these tumultuous waters, the outcome of these internal dynamics will likely shape the political landscape in Kakamega and beyond as leaders work to align party values with political ambitions.