National Treasury Cabinet Secretary (CS) John Mbadi has urged Nyanza residents to rally behind President William Ruto in next year’s elections. CS Mbadi said that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party had resolved to back the President for a second term, citing his development record and achievements. The CS also condemned a section of leaders who were inciting ODM supporters against Ruto’s second-term bid without providing any concrete reasons.
Speaking on Saturday during a fundraiser supporting the construction of the proposed John Mbadi Osogo Senior Secondary School in Kwabwai Ward, Ndhiwa Constituency, Mbadi reiterated that they would not relent in their resolve to support the broad-based government. “There are leaders who incite people against Ruto’s re-election bid. You can do so, but your efforts will bear no fruit because Ruto will be elected again in 2027,” Mbadi said.
He emphasized that the ODM party’s decision to support President Ruto’s re-election followed a clear consensus. “As a party, ODM has decided to support Ruto, and there is no further debate about it. Let us all be prepared to support him come next year’s election,” Mbadi added.
Mbadi also addressed opposition leaders who were spreading rumours suggesting that ODM had split. He said the party remains united and that the ongoing dissenting opinions within the party are temporary. “Let nobody tell lies that ODM is divided. Those who are saying so are rumour mongers pursuing their own selfish gains,” he stated.
He highlighted President Ruto’s role in promoting infrastructural development across the country. “President Ruto found the economy of this country in tatters, but he has improved it. He has also undertaken significant development projects in Nyanza and other parts of Kenya. We need to continue supporting him for his proven track record,” Mbadi said.
Ndhiwa MP Martin Owino urged residents to register for national identity cards and to enroll as voters in large numbers. He encouraged locals to exercise their democratic right to vote in the next general election. The legislator noted that mass voter registration would give the Luo community bargaining power during negotiations for the formation of the next government. “Voter registration will enable our leaders to have a strong bargaining position for negotiations during government formation,” Owino said.
The call for active participation was also echoed by Ndhiwa politician Michael Agwanda. Homa Bay County Assembly Majority Leader Richard Ogindo urged residents to avoid aligning with the Edwin Sifuna-led ‘Linda Mwananchi’ team. “Sifuna’s team is not headed in the right direction. Let us avoid them,” Ogindo said.
By Davis Langat
