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ODM Presser

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) nominees to President William Ruto’s Cabinet are scheduled to formally resign from their party positions on Wednesday in preparation for their vetting. The nominees—Hassan Joho (Blue Economy), Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives), Opiyo Wandayi (Energy and Petroleum), and John Mbadi (Treasury)—held significant roles within the opposition party. Joho and Oparanya were ODM deputy party leaders, while Mbadi was the national party chairman and Wandayi served as the ODM Secretary for Political Affairs.

Kenyan law prohibits Cabinet Secretaries from holding office in a political party, though they may remain party members. As a result, the four nominees will retain their lifetime membership in ODM even as they serve in the government.

John Mbadi confirmed that they will resign from their party positions ahead of the vetting, scheduled to begin Thursday and last for four days. The National Assembly's Committee on Appointments, chaired by Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, will conduct the vetting process. The committee members have emphasized that this vetting will be rigorous and thorough.

The vetting schedule, released by the 20-member committee, allocates specific dates and times for each of the 21 nominees to appear. The public has until Wednesday to submit any representations regarding the nominees, with at least three petitions already filed.

The vetting process will commence on August 1, with Interior Cabinet Secretary nominee Kithure Kindiki appearing first at 8 am, followed by Debra Mlongo (Health) at 10 am, Alice Wahome (Lands) at 12 pm, Migos Ogamba (Education) at 3 pm, and Soipan Tuya (Defence) at 5 pm.

On August 2, the committee will vet Andrew Mwihia (Agriculture) at 8 am, Aden Duale (Environment) at 10 am, Eric Muuga (Water) at 12 pm, Davis Chirchir (Transport) at 3 pm, and Margaret Ndung’u (ICT) at 5 pm.

The third day, August 3, will see John Mbadi (Treasury) at 8 am, Salim Mvurya (Trade) at 10 am, Rebecca Miano (Tourism) at 12 pm, Opiyo Wandayi (Energy) at 3 pm, and Kipchumba Murkomen (Sports) at 5 pm.

The final day, August 4, will feature Hassan Joho (Mining) at 8 am, Alfred Mutua (Labour) at 10 am, Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives) at 12 pm, Justin Muturi (Public Service) at 3 pm, and Stella Lang’at (Gender) at 5 pm.