Budalang’i MP Ababu Namwamba will not defend his MP seat in 2017 on an ODM ticket.
Namwamba, who quit his position as ODM Secretary General two months ago will on Thursday unveil the rebranded Labour Party of Kenya that was initially headed by former Butula MP Prof Julia Ojiambo in Nairobi.
A letter seen by this writer inviting party members for the launch at Mamba Village in Karen, Nairobi says the event will also be used to celebrate the party’s eighteenth Anniversary.
“The Labour Party of Kenya has completed a historic three-month process of rebranding, refreshing and strengthening of its leadership,” the letter signed by the party’s Secretary General Peter Kubebea reads.
“The new face of the Labour Party will be unveiled at a dinner event bringing together hundreds of party leaders and delegates from across the country.”
“The evening event will be preceded by a meeting of the new National Executive Committee (NEC) which will be held in the morning.”
Kubebea said the party is now ready and rearing to compete aggressively and effectively on the Kenyan political scene.
“We will soon be inviting expression of interest from potential aspirants for all elective positions in the 2017 general elections.”
The launch will happen a day before ODM officials from Busia county hold a meeting to strategise on how to select the best candidate to challenge Namwamba in 2017.
The Friday meeting to be held at Ruambua ward in Budalang’i will be chaired by Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong.
Busia Women Rep Florence Mutua is also expected to attend.
By Wednesday, more than ten aspirants had declared interest to vie for the Budalang’i MP seat on an ODM ticket.
The Labour Party of Kenya first gained parliamentary representation in 2004 when Anania Mwaboza won the Kisauni constituency by-election.