ODM leader Raila Odinga was forced to drop Simba Arati's name as the party's National Vice Chair due to gender sensitivity issues, a top ODM lawyer has revealed.
On Thursday, NEC had settled on the Dagoretti North MP as the replacement to Paul Otuoma, who had joined Jubilee party.
And with Raila determined to be gender considerate, he is said to have replaced Arati's name with that of Kisii Women Representative Janet Ong'era.
"It was not his wish but for the sake of gender sensitivity, he has to replace Arati with someone again from Gusii community," said the lawyer, who spoke in confidence.
He added: "Perhaps we can blame him for not informing Arati before NGC meeting. The name of Ong'era came as a surprise to many."
Although Arati has not come out open on the issue, a number of Nairobi leaders led by Women Representative Esther Passaris have questioned the move.
The setback came at the time Arati is seeking to be the spokesperson of Abagusii community, a move that is already facing resistance from a section of leaders.
Ong'era, who once served as ODM chief executive, becomes the most powerful woman within ODM ranks.