- She said Raila left the party with a structure that ensures the party operates effectively and is set for longevity.
The Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Catherine Omanyo has clarified that the party will remain strong and more vibrant despite the absence of its former leader, the late Raila Odinga.
According to Omanyo, Raila left the party with a structure that ensures the party operates effectively and is set for longevity.
“We thought it's because maybe he wants people just to observe during elections to take care of his interests, maybe, or take care of during elections, people should not steal votes. But he was organizing and putting his house in order,” Omanyo told NTV on Tuesday.
“He added deputy party leaders, put in place some seats and made sure that every seat had roles to play, responsibilities attached to it. He was putting his house organized, in order."
She said that, as party members, the biggest failure will be not sticking to Mr. Odinga's vision despite not agreeing with some of them.
“Finally, we know why he did struggle with some of us. He would say this one, you don't give him this responsibility. This one, you can give this responsibility,” Omanyo said.
She praised the former premier's leadership, saying he made sane decisions when turbulent times rocked the party's boat.
Leaders allied to ODM have assured supporters that the party is still strong, and will have a candidate contesting in all elective seats in the upcoming 2027 General Election except the presidency.
ODM leaders visited Busia County on Sunday where they defended the party, saying it still stands for the ideals of its founder.
"ODM is still the biggest and strongest party in Kenya. Bigger than even UDA. We are strong and determined to remain so, unlike these other briefcase parties that have no direction," the leaders said.