Orange Democratic Movement party Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen on Thursday resigned from a special committee that was formed on Monday to study a Task Force report and recommend further adjustments.
Mr Ongw’en, who replaced Janet Ong’era in 2013, was picked alongside Senator Judith Pareno and Nyando MP Jared Okello at Marsh Park hotel by National Executive Council, which was chaired by Mr Raila Odinga.
“The team comprises Nominated Senator and Chairperson of the National Elections Board Ms. Judith Pareno, Nyando MP Mr Jared Okello and the ODM Executive Director Mr. Oduor Ong’wen. The team will review the report before making a presentation before the NEC at a retreat to be held next month,” ODM said in a statement, Monday.
But their appointment caused jitters from among party supports and senior officials among them Wafula Buke, who accused Pareno and Ong’wen of running shambolic nominations within the ODM party.
And on Thursday, Ong’wen seemingly succumbed to criticism and opted out of the three-member team which was mandated to study the report and make recommendations. According to him, he consulted Mr Odinga before opting out.
“Today, following consultations with the Party Leader H.E. Hon. Raila Odinga and the National Chairman Mr John Mbadi and considering the need for the implementation process to not only be credible but be seen to be so, the Executive Director of the Party Mr Oduor Ong’wen has opted out of the sub-committee,” ODM said in a statement.
His place was taken by Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi, who is also the party’s Secretary of Political Affairs. The team is now expected to study the taskforce report and make further recommendations to the National Executive Committee in few weeks.
ODM party has struggled to rebuild her image with several senior members decamping moments before 2017 polls. Many of them accused Senator Pareno of overseeing shambolic nominations.