Finance Minister John Mbadi has claimed he is ready to take leadership of the Luo community following Raila Odinga's death. He says he deserves to be the community's main political spokesperson, though no one can fully follow Odinga's footsteps. The statement was made at an event in Kisumu.
Finance Minister John Mbadi has said he is ready to lead the Luo community after the death of Raila Odinga, the former ODM leader. At an empowerment event held in Kisumu on Friday, Mbadi stated he understands Odinga's political path but will forge his own way. "I know where Raila wanted to take us, and the path he was following. However, I will not wear his shoes; I will buy shoes that fit me and lead the Luo community in the way I know, as we enter Canaan," he said.
He compared Odinga to the biblical Moses, who led his people but did not enter the promised land. "Raila Odinga carried the torch and led our community for over 30 years. He planned to take us to Canaan but, unfortunately, could not get us there. However, we must enter Canaan," Mbadi added. He dismissed claims that anyone can take Odinga's place without facing similar political turmoil.
This statement comes less than a year after Ida Odinga, Odinga's widow, publicly named him as a suitable successor. "You are enough. Mbadi Nyang’. Mbadi is the one in Raila's heart," Ida said. Other figures in the succession race include Oburu Oginga, Opiyo Wandayi, James Orengo, Anyang’ Nyong’o, and Gladys Wanga. Younger contenders mentioned for future roles are Winnie Odinga and Babu Owino.
Mbadi urged ODM to focus on returning to power, not just protests. "If we cannot produce Kenya's president in 2027, then we must produce one in 2032," he said, criticizing those opposing the coalition government.