Nearly every fortnight, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi flies to South Nyanza for political activities.
His first stop is usually Suba South, his rural home. He then flies to different areas, mainly Kuria East, Nyatike and Ndhiwa, where he has been carrying out most of his political activities.
When he gets a chance to meet the people, Mbadi usually uses the opportunity to tell residents of the plans that President William Ruto has for Luo Nyanza and why the Head of State should be re-elected.
But sometimes, he meddles in local politics, giving voters directions and trying to influence their choice ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The CS is on record saying he wants to be the Luo kingpin and take the mantle from former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
As a means of pushing his agenda, he has been trying to tell voters the kind of leaders who should be elected.
For instance, on June 7 while at Naytoto in Suba South, CS Mbadi told voters that he will let them know who to vote for.
“I am the one who decides who should be elected in Suba South. I will let you know the best candidate when the right time comes,” he said.
Suba South MP Caroli Omondi.
Photo credit: File | NATION
Mbadi served the constituency as a Member of Parliament for three terms until 2022 before his seat was taken over by Caroli Omondi, who has since fallen out with the CS and some members of ODM.
CS Mbadi vowed to ensure the current MP does not retain his seat after he took a different political direction.
During a prayer service at Sombro Seventh Day Adventist Church on Saturday, he called on voters to re-elect Governor Gladys Wanga.
According to the CS, senior government officials had made a decision to support the ODM national chairperson.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
He also argued that he does not see anyone with the capacity to defeat Wanga in her re-election bid.
“Other aspirants may try their luck and vie for the gubernatorial seat. But I am sure we will defeat you,” Mbadi said.
His remarks, however, did not go down well with former Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga, who asked the CS to keep off county politics.
He argued that Mbadi’s statements will interfere with the rights of voters in the region to elect a governor of their choice, arguing that the CS should be above partisan politics.
Magwanga will face off with his former boss in the 2027 election, becoming his third time vying for the seat after two unsuccessful bids in 2017 and 2022.
“The governor is likely to seek a Cabinet post when and if she loses her seat. This is what Mbadi does not want...because there cannot be two CSs from the same region. He is there pushing for her re-election so he can continue in his current office,” he said.
Joseph Oyugi Magwanga.
Photo credit: George Odiwuor | Nation Media Group
At the County Assembly of Homa Bay, some ward representatives have ceased accompanying the governor and instead follow the former deputy governor in his public engagement meetings.
They include Tom Adinda (Kendu Bay Town), Vickins Bondo (West Kasipul), Jeff Ongoro (Kanyaluo), Victor Okoth (Kaksingri West), Pauline Omogi (Nominated), Milchah Orony (nominated) among others.
He also gets support from Julius Gaya, who was the governor’s former political advisor and a speaker at the County Assembly.
At a recent church service, CS Mbadi announced that the decision for unity was endorsed by all leaders of the county.
Magwanga, however, questioned the absence of National Assembly Minority Whip Millie Odhiambo, who has been sitting on the fence when ODM members were divided on whether to be members of Linda Ground or Linda Mwananchi.
Ndhiwa MP Martin Owino, his Karachuonyo counterpart Adipo Okuome and Suba South MP Caroli Omondi were also absent. Magwanga argued that absence of the legislators shows that something is amiss.
“It was just a fundraising event. It cannot be classified as a meeting where leaders make a decision. Other leaders were not there,” he said.
