Migori: Religious leaders in Migori County are appealing to the Luo community to rally behind the Broad-Based Government and support Cabinet Secretary (CS) for the National Treasury and Economic Planning, John Mbadi, as the region’s senior representative in the national administration. Speaking at a guest house in Awendo constituency after a closed-door meeting with CS Mbadi and Migori Governor, Dr. Ochilo Ayako, the clergy emphasized unity, peace, and economic transformation as key priorities for the region.
According to Kenya News Agency, Bishop Dr. Peter Midodo of Pentecostal Evangelistic Fellowship of Africa (PEFA) Church, said the clergy had offered special prayers for CS Mbadi, whom they described as the most senior Luo figure left in government by the late Raila Odinga. “We have never elected anyone to the position of ‘kingpin’ in Nyanza. Raila Odinga left our people in government, and the most senior among them is CS John Mbadi, who served as Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Chairman for 10 years and Member of Parliament for Suba Constituency for 17 years,” Bishop Midodo stated.
He added that Mbadi possesses the experience and expertise to represent the community effectively at the central government level. The clergy expressed full backing for President William Ruto’s development agenda, citing ongoing national projects as evidence of progress toward first-world nation status. “We support the Affordable Housing Programme, construction of modern markets, and reforms in the sugar industry. These initiatives are stimulating the local economy, especially now during the heavy rains, when newly built markets are proving their value,” Bishop Midodo said.
He particularly commended the President’s intervention in the sugar sector, noting that Migori is the ‘mother of the sugar industry’ with Sony Sugar Company (SONY 2025) at its core. “We thank the president for streamlining the sugar industry. We now call for timely Sugar Board elections, so that farmers can elect their representatives,” he urged.
The religious leaders also issued a strong political message declaring President Ruto as their candidate for the 2027 presidential election. “Raila Odinga left us in government. We are not leaving anytime soon,” he noted. “What President Ruto did for our community during Raila’s burial cannot be betrayed. We warn our political sons and daughters: we stand with the government and the peace Raila fought for,” Bishop Midodo asserted.
Echoing the call for harmony, Bishop Joshua Otigo of Deliverance Church Migori stressed that while Raila Odinga’s physical presence is gone, his legacy of constitutionalism, devolution, and press freedom endures. “A leader may die, but the future of the people never dies. We call on politicians across Kenya to work in unity and peace. As Raila always said, it is not the bullet, but the ballot,” Bishop Otigo remarked.
He urged the youth and political class to focus on economic growth, job creation, and national stability. The meeting comes at a time of heightened political activity in Nyanza, with several leaders reportedly positioning themselves to fill the leadership vacuum left by Raila Odinga. However, the clergy maintained that succession should not divide the community, but rather strengthen its presence within the current Broad-Based government.
“We deliberated on many issues, including rapid economic transformation. Our God is a big God who can do great things. We believe in the direction President Ruto is taking the country,” Bishop Otigo concluded.