Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has formally handed over the leadership of the political outfit to Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o in acting capacity.

Governor Nyong’o will now be tasked with steering the opposition party forward, as Mr. Odinga fully immerses himself into the final lap of his campaigns for African Union Commission (AUC) Chairman.

Mr. Odinga, speaking during a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Mombasa on Saturday, said Nyong’o has continuously provided a firm foundation to the party since it was founded over 20 years ago.

The former Prime Minister went ahead to state that the recent decision of the Central Committee to name Nyong’o as acting leader will ensure the party’s ideologies continue.

“Today, in line with a recent decision of the Central Committee, I formally task our founding Secretary General Professor Anyang’ Nyong’o, to step in and provide leadership to our great party to enable me immerse myself fully into the final and more intricate phase of my campaign for chairmanship of the African Union Commission,” said Mr. Odinga.

“The Central Committee of our party made this decision a few weeks ago, picking a man who has been central in giving direction and firm foundation to our party since inception. We are therefore assured of ideological continuity and clarity that have been the hallmarks of our party".

He added: “I want to thank you our members, our supporters for the work you have done over the years. Thank you for the distance we have walked together, the challenges we have overcome together, and the distance we are just about to embark on together as a party and a country.”

The Mr. Odinga-led NEC meeting also ratified recent appointments made by the Central Committee after senior officials of the party stepped down to take up roles in the national government.

These include Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga as the new National Chairperson, taking over from John Mbadi who is now the Treasury Cabinet Secretary.

Others are new deputy party leaders Kisii Governor Simba Arati and Vihiga Senator as Deputy Party Leaders, replacing Cabinet Secretaries Wycliffe Oparanya (MSMEs) and Hassan Joho (Mining and Blue Economy).

In the changes, Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu replaces Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi as Secretary for Political Affairs, while Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga is the new Deputy Organizing Secretary.