- Treasury CS John Mbadi spoke at a funeral in Homa Bay on Friday, October 16, amid heated political debate in Luo Nyanza
- Mbadi argued that the community's loyalty to the late Raila Odinga cannot be transferred to anyone else, including his family
- The CS used the occasion to stake his own claim to the presidency, declaring he intends to run in 2032
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has declared that no one will persuade the Luo community to abandon President William Ruto, saying the loyalty it gave Raila Odinga cannot be passed on to anyone else, including the former prime minister’s family.
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His remarks at a funeral in Homa Bay Friday, October 16, came as political tensions flared across Luo Nyanza, overshadowing the first anniversary memorial of Raila's death, which was held at Migwena Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County, on Thursday, October 15.
The event drew a conspicuous number of absences from leaders aligned with Ruto's broad-based government, including Mbadi himself, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho.
Kisii governor Simba Arati and Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi were among the few Ruto-allied figures who attended.
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The majority of those present belonged to Linda Mwananchi, a grouping of ODM rebels opposed to the president.
Mbadi Addresses Rift Over Raila's Legacy
The memorial also laid bare tensions between Raila's family, led by his widow Ida Odinga, and ODM leaders backing Ruto, with several of the president's supporters suggesting the family had aligned itself with the Linda Mwananchi faction.
Without directly naming the family, Mbadi addressed the undercurrent of pressure being applied on the community.
He argued that only Raila himself had the authority to redirect the community's political compass, and that with his passing, no individual connected to him can claim that mandate.
"I want to tell you this, we followed the late Raila Odinga because of the stand he had and the sacrifices he did for us as a nation. The love we had for Raila cannot be transferred to somebody else, unless you convince us that you match that respect and the honour we had for him," he said.
Mbadi Declares 2032 Presidential Ambition
Among the most notable moments of his address, Mbadi announced his intention to contest the presidency in 2032, framing it as a response to what he described as a belief that the country's top office belongs only to certain communities or families.
He said he had a problem with anyone who thinks the presidency and leadership should be reserved for their own families and areas. He also said the Luo, like every other community, can produce a president.
Ruto, in Mbadi’s telling, has earned Luo backing through his development work in the lake region. That, he suggested, is why the community will not be moved by outside appeals.
"Don't be lied to that you can remove some Luos from President William Ruto; you are wasting your time. Luos have already decided that, per what the president is currently doing for them, they are going to re-elect him for his second term, and when they are done with him, they will produce their own as president in 2032, and Mbadi is on the front line, I want to be president," he said.
He added;
“There are people who think that they are the only ones who can give birth to leaders. Every woman has the capacity to bring forth leaders. That is why I have problems with those who think the president should only come from their areas. Even here in the lake region, we are capable of producing a president. I am ready to run for the president in 2032,"
He also called on politicians to stop straddling the fence over the 2027 succession question.
"In politics, there is no sitting on the fence," Mbadi said. "If you belong to 'two-term', be frank and declare it, and if in 'one-term', also be brave enough to declare it."
Source: TUKO.co.ke
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