On Sunday, May 26, 2024, ODM deputy party leader Hassan Joho and EALA MP Suleiman Shabhal donated Kshs900,000 to Macalder SDA church in Nyatike, Migori County.
They were hosted by Migori Governor Ochillo Ayako at the fundraiser. Joho’s contribution included Kshs300,000 from ODM party leader Raila Odinga, totaling Kshs600,000. Shabhal contributed Kshs300,000. The event was prominently focused on ODM campaigns.
“DPL Hassan Joho officiated a fundraiser in aid of the MACALDER SDA CHURCH in Nyatike Sub-County of Migori County. He said ODM is strong and united. DPL gave Sh. 600K which included Sh. 300K from PL Raila Odinga.
EALA legislator Hon. Shabhal gave Sh. 300K,” ODM said in a statement.
During the fundraiser in Nyatike, Migori County, former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho expressed his commitment to drumming up support for the ODM party. Joho promised to steer the party into the future, especially if Raila Odinga steps down to take the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship.
He emphasized that the ODM party should transcend individual leaders like himself and Raila, aiming to form the next government in the 2027 general elections.
Joho’s comments came amid ongoing ODM succession politics. Alongside Joho, other key figures such as fellow ODM deputy party leader Wycliffe Oparanya and Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi are contenders to take the party’s helm if Raila steps down.
In March 2024, Raila urged party leaders to avoid stoking succession disputes that could lead to ethnic divisions. During a visit to the Malindi Islamic Centre for Orphans, Raila reaffirmed his leadership role within the party, dismissing any notion of a leadership vacuum.
He compared the succession contenders to people trying to marry a woman while her husband is still alive, emphasizing the need for unity and continuity within the party.
“We need to keep this party alive. So whether it is Joho or Oparanya or me, we will move forward as a party,” Raila said.
