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.
His 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.
Mbadi said he had the vision and ability to succeed the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and deliver the people to Canaan.
The CS said he worked very closely with Raila for 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 said the journey for presidency should start as early as ten years before the election time comes. The CS said that this was the strategy that enabled President William Ruto to ascend to power.
“Ruto began campaigns for his presidential ambition when he opposed the 2010 Constitution. His intention was not to reject the Constitution but to test the grip of his community and supporters,” Mbadi said.
Mbadi announced his plans of undertaking the Nyang’ Reswa Programme in various counties outside Nyanza region.
He said he would have conversations with residents of those regions over his ambition.
Mbadi wants Kenyans to vote Ruto in his 2027 re-election bid. “Let us support Ruto to enable us to bargain for his support in 2032,” Mbadi added.
Mbadi was supported by Ndhiwa MP Martin Owino, Homa Bay Woman Rep Joyce Osogo and Suna West MP Peter Masara.
Owino told elected leaders in the community to focus on uniting the community. “I urge our fellow leaders to stop talking too much. Let us support our son and release him to have conversations with other communities in Kenya,” Owino said.
Dr Osogo said Mbadi had indirect blessings of national leadership and that he had the required competency to lead the community and Kenya at large.
“When we were in Suba, Raila held Mbadi’s hands, signaling bigger things for him in future. Mbadi’s competency makes him suitable to lead us,” Dr Osogo said.
Masara told the Luo community to unite behind Mbadi and start planning their political future. “Let us unite behind Mbadi as a community and start championing the agenda for our future politics,” he said.
By Davis Langat
