Makadara MP George Aladwa is currently vying for the position of Minority Leader in the National Assembly, a role that will become available if the current holder, Opiyo Wandayi, is confirmed as the Minister of Energy.
Wandayi, who is also the ODM Party’s Political Secretary, along with other ODM leaders including Special MP John Mbadi and former governors Ali Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya, have been proposed by President William Ruto for ministerial positions.
On Sunday, Aladwa suggested that if he is not appointed as Wandayi’s successor, ODM should consider him for the role of National Chairman to fill the vacancy left by Mbadi, who is proposed for the position of Minister of Finance and Economic Planning.
Speaking at St. Stephen Anglican Church along Jogoo Road in Nairobi, Aladwa highlighted his extensive political experience within ODM.
“I have served as the ODM Nairobi Chairman for over ten years. Besides that, I am a staunch supporter of our party leader Raila Odinga. Therefore, I am well-qualified to be appointed as the Minority Leader in the National Assembly or as the National Chairman of ODM,” Aladwa stated.
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He also mentioned his willingness to serve as Deputy Party Leader to fill the positions left by Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya, while surrounded by his supporters.
However, Aladwa criticized some ODM MPs who have already declared themselves as interim candidates for the Minority Leader role, arguing that the position is still held by Wandayi, who has not yet been vetted by Parliament as required by law.
“Opiyo Wandayi still holds the position of Minority Leader. He has been proposed for the Minister of Energy and has not yet been confirmed by Parliament. It is premature for some of our colleagues to declare themselves as interim leaders,” Aladwa said.
North Suba MP Millie Odhiambo and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino have already announced their candidacy for the position.
“From today, I am the leader of the opposition because some people who were in the opposition have now joined the government. My goal is to fight for the people, and it pains me to see my colleagues joining the government,” Owino stated.
Aladwa also rebuked claims that Raila Odinga has betrayed the opposition by joining the government, asserting that Odinga’s stance on issues raised by Gen Z should be supported.
“Raila has said that there should be discussions on the issues raised by Gen Z, and we support him on that,” Aladwa added.
