ODM leader Raila Odinga has been rebuilding his party after the handshake with President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The opposition leader has notably reviewed the party nominations rules to avoid shambolic elections. The rebuilding of the nomination rules is spearheaded by a task force under the leadership of Catherine Mumma.
The team has embarked on a mission to set rules of the nomination exercise as the opposition leaders look forward to resolving the issue of chaos. The team wants not only to influence national politics but also revive ODM.
Raila has settled on ODM chairman John Mbadi, and the party’s Director of Elections Junet Mohammed to regain total control of Nyanza region.
Mbadi has confirmed that ODM has recruited new faces into his team as it shapes its political discourse.
He also said that he has recruited Senators Sam Ongeri and his Busia Counterpart Amos Wako into his team.
“I can tell you that we have recruited new people to our team as part of our preparations. People like Senator Sam Ongeri, Amos Wako are part of our team. We also have people from Jubilee who are now working with us,” said Mbadi.
Some of the notable political figures that were in his camp but he no longer has them include former party vice-chairman Paul Otuoma, former party secretary-general Ababu Namwamba, Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo and Caroli Omondi who played a central role during the coalition government.
Raila has also positioned Kisumu Governor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, MPs James Nyikal (Seme) and Jared Okello (Nyando) in his inner circle to ensure he remains powerful in the political arena.
Mbadi also said that the new team is behind the rejection of the Punguza Mizigo Bill in Central and Nyanza region.
The opposition leader has also positioned Kisii Governor James Ongwae as his point man in Gusii while Homa Bay Woman Representative Gladys Wanga is playing a pivotal role in Southern Nyanza to ensure he remains powerful.