Nairobi: The National Treasury Cabinet Secretary, John Mbadi, has called on ODM leaders to rally behind a broad-based government, emphasizing the strategic importance of supporting President Ruto’s re-election in the upcoming 2027 elections.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mbadi criticized ODM members opposing Ruto’s re-election, labeling them as distractions to the party’s objectives. He accused certain party officials of hindering the leadership’s efforts to secure a future in power for ODM. As a life member and former national chairman of ODM, Mbadi underscored the necessity of backing Ruto’s re-election bid.
During a campaign event in God Agulu village, where he supported ODM’s candidate Boyd Were in the Kasipul parliamentary by-election, Mbadi urged party officials to abandon opposition tactics and embrace a strategy that aligns with Ruto’s leadership. He stated that opposing Ruto’s candidacy jeopardizes ODM’s future political prospects.
Mbadi cautioned Nyanza residents against leaders resisting Ruto’s re-election, arguing that their opposition undermines the party’s stability and growth. He emphasized the importance of aligning with the broad-based government to ensure the party’s long-term success.
Reflecting on ODM’s historical journey, Mbadi referenced the late Raila Odinga’s efforts to lead the party to power, underscoring the need to honor his legacy by supporting Ruto. He highlighted Ruto’s initiatives in the Nyanza region as evidence of his goodwill towards ODM strongholds, despite their initial reluctance to support him in 2022.
Mbadi proposed that supporting Ruto in 2027 would position ODM favorably for future negotiations, potentially leading to an ODM presidency in 2032. He expressed his ambition to become a key political figure within the Luo community and succeed Ruto if he is re-elected.
In the local political scene, Mbadi urged Kasipul residents to elect Boyd Were in the forthcoming by-election, promising transformative development projects for the area.
Were pledged to continue developmental endeavors initiated by his predecessor, appealing to the community for their support.
