Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi appears to be stirring political waters as he seeks to consolidate his influence in Luo Nyanza and shape the future of ODM in the post-Raila Odinga era.
Having been a key player under Raila’s leadership, Mr Mbadi, who has publicly stated that he is not eyeing any elective seat in the 2027 General Election, appears to be carving out a political niche for himself, potentially in preparation for the 2032 presidential succession politics.
A speech by the CS, captured in a video he released after a stormy ODM meeting in Kilifi on May 4, has raised eyebrows, with some party supporters viewing his remarks as disrespectful of Mr Odinga.
“You can’t keep telling us that Baba said this or Baba did not say that. Where is that Baba now to give us evidence of whether he said it or not?” Mr Mbadi said, visibly agitated.
Kenya's Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga leaves after a ceremony in the Hall of Remembrance at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem, November 13, 2011.
Photo credit: Reuters
“It is now six months. Baba did a lot for us, but we also fought for Baba. If it were not for us, then Baba would not have been the person he was on the day he died,” he added.
The remarks have sparked mixed reactions among ODM supporters. While some interpreted the comments as dismissive and disrespectful to Raila’s legacy, others defended Mr Mbadi, saying the party must accept the reality that its longtime leader is dead and begin charting its future.
The comments have also placed Mr Mbadi at odds with Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, who accused some leaders of engaging in blame games instead of working to preserve unity within the Orange party.
Ms Odinga specifically criticised the Treasury CS for belittling the Odinga family name, which she said had significantly contributed to his political rise.
Reached for comment on Tuesday, Mr Mbadi stood by his remarks, saying he could not control how others chose to interpret them.
“Raila built us, but as the Luo community, we worked very hard to support him. There are those supporting what I said and those opposing it, and I see no problem with that,” said the visibly frustrated CS.
“I see nothing to apologise for because I am the one who released the video and I have no control of how one interprets it,” he added.
During the Kilifi meeting, Mr Mbadi urged ODM leaders to focus on rebuilding and strengthening the party instead of attempting to reconcile with the Linda Mwananchi faction that is led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
He cited historical examples of politicians who had left parties from the days of Ford and Ford-Kenya to pursue their own political paths, arguing that the party should not be overly concerned with bringing back the faction associated with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
The Linda Mwananchi team during a rally at Tononoka Grounds in Mombasa on March 29, 2026.
Apart from Mr Mbadi, the scramble to succeed Raila Odinga as the Luo political kingpin has also attracted Siaya Governor James Orengo, outspoken Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and former Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo.
Mr Orengo and Mr Owino are leading the breakaway Linda Mwananchi faction, which has been engaged in an intense rivalry with the Linda Ground side under the leadership of Siaya Senator Dr Oburu Oginga.
During a Linda Mwananchi rally held in Kisumu last month, Mr Orengo appeared to position himself as a contender for ODM leadership, urging the region to rally behind him in charting what he described as a new political direction for the party.
Mr Owino has also been holding political rallies in Siaya and Kisumu counties, where he has openly advocated for the ODM political mantle to be handed over to a younger generation of leaders.
His message has resonated with some sections of the youth, who believe the party needs fresh leadership and a renewed vision in the post-Raila era.
Former ICT Cabinet Secretary and presidential hopeful Eliud Owalo.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
Meanwhile, former ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo is also emerging as a significant figure in the succession battle.
Mr Owalo is expected to unveil a new political party soon, with political observers viewing the move as part of a broader strategy to position himself for a presidential bid in next year’s elections.
He is reportedly banking on support from the Nyanza region as he seeks to build a formidable political base ahead of the polls.
Mr Mbadi served as Gwasi MP between 2007 and 2013 before being re-elected in 2013 and 2017 as Suba South MP, following the renaming of the constituency.
In 2022, he had initially expressed interest in the Homa Bay gubernatorial seat, but was persuaded by the late Raila Odinga to support the candidacy of Gladys Wanga.
However, during a public event attended by President William Ruto and the late Mr Odinga in Homa Bay on May 30, 2025, Mr Mbadi declared that he would not contest any political seat in 2027.
“And so, once the 2027 elections are concluded, Baba and Mr President, I trust you will deliberate on where Mbadi best fits so that I may continue serving the nation,” he said at the time.
Last Friday, Mr Mbadi was installed as patron of the Luo Council of Elders, Nairobi Chapter, a move that some political observers view as part of a broader strategy to strengthen his political standing.
“Importantly, I want to reassure the elders and the larger community of my true commitment to serve them diligently and faithfully in the patron role they have entrusted to me,” he said.
Co-operatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya (left) and his Treasury counterpart John Mbadi follow proceedings during ODM party officials’ retreat at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort in Mombasa May 4, 2026.
Interestingly, when he met the same elders in his office on February 17, Mr Mbadi had taken a more conciliatory tone, urging the Linda Mwananchi faction to embrace dialogue within ODM.
“They should come and tell us why they strongly feel they want to move to the other side. If they do not want to work with us in Ruto’s camp, then perhaps they want to work with Uhuru, Wamunyoro or Kalonzo,” he said at the time.
“They should come and explain themselves because these disjointed statements are causing tension. Currently, there are only two political camps in the country, Ruto’s side and the opposition,” he added.
In recent months, Mr Mbadi has significantly increased his political activities across Nyanza, frequently using helicopters to attend funerals, empowerment events, and political gatherings, as he seeks to solidify support for President Ruto in the region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
