Nairobi: The race to succeed former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Nyanza politics has begun in earnest with National Treasury Cabinet Secretary (CS) John Mbadi declaring interest for the kingpin role. Mbadi has referred to himself as biblical Joshua to deliver the people to Canaan after the death of Moses.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mbadi’s declaration of the kingpin’s role comes in the backdrop of silent rivalry among ODM leaders in Nyanza region angling to succeed Raila. Mbadi has become the first political leader to explicitly express his desire to succeed Raila. Speaking on Sunday at Gaena trading center in Ndhiwa Constituency during a women’s empowerment programme dubbed Nyang’ Reswa, Mbadi told the Luo community not to lose hope in their desire to go to Canaan after Raila’s death.
‘My message to the people of our community is that we lost a great man who left a huge void. But I tell you not to lose hope of going to Canaan. I am the Joshua who is going to take you there,’ Mbadi said. He stated th
at he had the vision and ability to succeed the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and deliver the people to Canaan.
The CS emphasized his close working relationship with Raila over many years, which enabled him to understand how to steer Nyanza politics. ‘I know where Raila was taking our community. He had sent me to Canaan (read government) and I know where Canaan is. I am confident that I will take our people to the Canaan we have longed for since Kenya got independence,’ Mbadi said.
He urged residents of the region to rally behind him in the new political journey. ‘I appeal to our people to support me so that we achieve the dream our community has had for many decades,’ Mbadi said as he hinted about his ambition to vie for presidency in 2032. He highlighted that the journey for presidency should start as early as ten years before the election time comes, citing President William Ruto’s strategy as a successful model.
Mbadi announced his plans of undertaking the Nyang’ Reswa Programme in various countie
s outside Nyanza region and expressed intentions to have conversations with residents of those regions over his ambition. Moreover, he advocated for Kenyans to vote for Ruto in his 2027 re-election bid as a strategy to secure support for his own presidential ambitions in 2032.
Mbadi’s ambitions were supported by several leaders, including Ndhiwa MP Martin Owino, Homa Bay Woman Rep Joyce Osogo and Suna West MP Peter Masara. Owino urged elected leaders in the community to focus on uniting the community and support Mbadi’s outreach to other communities in Kenya. Dr. Osogo noted that Mbadi had indirect blessings of national leadership and possessed the competency to lead the community and the country. Masara called for the Luo community to unite behind Mbadi and begin planning their political future.
