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The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has launched a nationwide grassroots membership recruitment and verification exercise, a move political pundits are interpreting as a strategic preparation for a future without its iconic leader, Raila Odinga. The drive, dubbed Operation Jenga ODM, comes amid heightened speculation that Mr. Odinga is the frontrunner for the African Union Commission Chairperson position. Party Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna stated the exercise aims to solidify the party’s structures and identify new youth leaders. However, insiders suggest it is also a subtle maneuver by various factions within ODM to position their preferred successors and gauge their strength ahead of a potentially contentious leadership transition.