A majority of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) in Mombasa have defiantly reaffirmed their decision to replace Athman Mwamwiri with Prischillar Mema Mumba as the new Majority Leader, dismissing objections from the party’s national leadership.
In a strongly-worded press briefing held outside the Mombasa County Assembly buildings, 24 ODM-affiliated MCAs stood united in defense of their move, saying they had “no regrets” elevating Mumba from her previous role as Chief Whip. The statement was read out by Mji Wa Kale ward representative Abdirahman Hussein, who acted as the group’s spokesperson.
The MCAs expressed dismay over an electronic communication from ODM Executive Director Oduor Ongwen, which urged the Assembly to maintain the current leadership until a stakeholders’ forum is convened within two weeks. Addressed to Speaker Aharub Khatri, the letter sought to put the leadership changes on hold—a request the MCAs flatly rejected.
“We reaffirm our collective decision to effect change in the position of Leader of Majority at the County Assembly,”
Hussein declared.
“The letter from the party headquarters has been overtaken by events.”
According to Hussein, the decision to replace Mwamwiri with Mumba was endorsed by 24 of the 32 ODM-elected MCAs, underscoring what he termed as an “overwhelming mandate” from within the Assembly.
He further criticized ODM’s national leadership for attempting to interfere in what he described as a local democratic process.
“We warn the party headquarters against poking its nose into the affairs of the County Assembly leadership,”
Hussein said.
“Leadership within the County Assembly belongs to the elected representatives of the people, not party executives in Nairobi.”
Hussein urged ODM’s top brass to respect the autonomy of the Assembly and refrain from imposing decisions from above, calling such moves undemocratic and out of step with the will of the grassroots.
“We ask the party headquarters to stop dictating to the Assembly leadership against the members’ will,”
he said.
“Any external political mechanism aimed at undermining the democratic vote of ward representatives is unacceptable.”
Mumba’s elevation marks a significant shift within the ODM wing of the Mombasa County Assembly, with insiders pointing to her experience and track record in civic leadership as key factors behind her endorsement.
As the party’s internal rift deepens, the unfolding events in Mombasa are being closely watched for their potential implications on ODM’s cohesion ahead of future political contests.
