John Mbadi, a key figure of ODM and Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Treasury, has declared his capacity to steer the Luo community forward amid current internal succession battles.
In a statement posted on X by a local media outlet on Friday, 21 November, CS Mbadi’s message revealed his intention to succeed the late Raila Odinga as the Luo community leader.
Acknowledging the unmatched stature of Raila as a political enigma, Mbadi is confident that, although he is not apt to fill the late former Prime Minister’s shoes, he is nevertheless ready to steer the Luo community ahead.
“I may not be fit to fit Raila’s shoes, but I am ready to steer the Luo community in the way I know how” CS Mbadi said.
Coming at a time when ODM is experiencing fierce succession battles that threaten to tear it apart, Mbadi’s remarks clearly underscores his emerging position as a potential successor of Raila Odinga as the head of the Luo community.
His message could be arising from his recent stance, especially during Raila’s funeral in Bondo, where, alluding to biblical imagery, he likened Raila to Moses and himself to Joshua. Political pundits interpret Mbadi’s remarks as efforts to consolidate his position amid current speculations about succession within ODM.
Succession battle
ODM’s succession battles started crystalizing way back in March 2024, when Raila, amid his AU candidacy, stepped back from ODM leadership, endorsing Wycliffe Oparanya and Hassan Joho as potential party stewards.
Back in October 2024, Raila formalized leadership shifts by naming Gladys Wanga as the Chairperson of ODM instead of Mbadi, who had earlier been endorsed by Raila’s wife, Ida Odinga.
The former minority leader’s remarks come at a time when the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is at a crossroads as the country heads to the 2027 General Election, with one faction of party members inclined to work with President William Ruto while another faction opposes it.
