NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 15 — The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is mulling far-reaching constitutional amendments that could whittle down the influence of the Party Leader.

The changes come as a leadership contest shapes up between ODM’s two Deputy Party Leaders, former Governors Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega) and Hassan Joho (Mombasa), angling to take over from Raila Odinga who is eyeing a continental job.

Odinga will be forced to steer off local politics should his government-sponsored bid to become African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson sail through.

Under the proposed changes, ODM will enshrine an Elders Council in its Party Constitution and empower it to make binding decisions.

The National Executive Council (NEC) has proposed to mandate the Elders Council to steer the party while Odinga pursued the AUC Chairperson post.

The Council will make political decisions with overall powers on recommendations by all other party organs.

NEC proposes that the Council works closely with the Board of Trustees to prevent influential leaders from infiltrating the political outfit.

The Board of Trustees comprises Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, ODM National Treasurer Timothy Bosire, and Director of Administration and Finance Joshua Kawino.

NEC has muted plans to expand the Board of Trustees to incorporate additional members.