NYAKACH, May 2026 -The National Treasury and Economic Planning Cabinet Secretary (CS) John Mbadi has called on members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to set aside internal differences and focus on strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 general election, warning that splinter groups risk weakening the party’s political bargaining power.
Speaking on Friday in Nyakach during a consultative meeting with Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) from Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, and Migori counties, Mbadi the immediate former ODM National Chairperson dismissed factions branding themselves as “ODM Linda Ground” or “ODM Linda Mwananchi,” describing them as tactics meant to cause party instability.
“We have one cohesive brand called the ODM under the leadership of Dr Oburu Oginga and National Chairperson Gladys Wanga,” Mbadi asserted.
He took issue with a faction linked to Siaya Governor James Orengo, accusing him of being on a mission to wreck ODM and pursuing personal gains at the expense of the Luo community’s unity.
“Siaya Governor Orengo thrives in confusion. We cannot sit back and allow him to divide our community for his personal selfish gains,” Mbadi said.
He added that the schemes by Orengo and embattled Secretary General Edwin Sifuna mirror tactics that were used by Kenneth Matiba and Martin Shikuku to frustrate the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga’s 1992 presidential bid.
Mbadi cautioned that a weak ODM cannot strategically negotiate pre-election pacts with like-minded parties such as the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
He urged the party’s top brass to inspire confidence among supporters as ODM prepares to back President William Ruto’s re-election bid.
“Our unity is our strength. Many political formations during general polls always want to work with the Luo community because over the years we have remained steadfast, something we cannot afford to lose in 2027,” Mbadi warned.
He reiterated that the ODM constitution clearly outlines leadership succession, and that no individual can assume party leadership through “roadside coups.”
Highlighting development gains in the Nyanza region under the current administration, Mbadi noted that the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) will receive billions of shillings from the exchequer starting this financial year.
ODM has lined up a series of activities over the next 90 days, including meetings with ward-level officials and aspirants, in a bid to consolidate its stronghold in traditional bases ahead of the 2027 elections.
