• The former prime minister has temporarily stepped down from all official duties as party leader of the Orange Democratic movement to focus on his African Union chairperson campaigns.

Raila Odinga has temporarily stepped down from all official duties as party leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to focus on his African Union chairperson campaigns.

Announcing his decision in Mombasa on October 13, 2024, during the national central party executive retreat, he also noted that the committee appointed the Governor for Kisumu, Prof Anyang Nyongo, as the acting party leader to provide leadership to the party. His focus shifts to continental politics ahead of the African Union elections in February 2025 during the African Union summit.

“The Central Committee of our party made this decision a few weeks ago, picking a man who has been central in giving direction and a firm foundation to our party since its inception,” he said

The Kisumu governor is expected to ensure the continuity of the party’s ideology. He is tasked with seeing the party remain united despite differences concerning its joining the government in the broad-based agreement, in which some party officials were appointed to cabinet positions. The Kisumu governor will also oversee the grassroots elections scheduled to kick off next month.

“In line with a recent decision of the central committee, I formally task our founding secretary general, Prof Anyang Nyongo, to step in and provide leadership to our general party to enable me to immerse myself fully into the final and more intricate phase of my campaign for the chairmanship of the African union commission,” said Raila

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Raila also disclosed that the committee had appointed Homabay Governor Gladys Wanga as chairperson, replacing Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi.

He also announced that the party's grassroots election would take place next month and urged party members to maintain peace during the election period.

Raila Odinga is set to run for the African Union Chairmanship against Mahamoud Youssouf, former foreign minister of Djibouti, Anil Gayan of Mauritius and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar.