Inspired by that angle, fresh details have emerged from Kisumu, where National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi spoke openly about leadership, unity, and the future of ODM.
Speaking during an empowerment funds event for Kondele and Kibuye traders, Mbadi said he deeply respects Raila Odinga’s long political journey and the sacrifices he made for democracy in Kenya.
He made it clear that trying to copy Raila is impossible for anyone, including himself.
“I cannot fit in Raila’s shoes. Nobody can,” Mbadi said.
“But I can help guide our people in a direction that brings real development and long-term planning.”
Mbadi explained that political leadership must now be intentional, strategic, and focused on winning power.
He said political parties are not formed to stay in protest mode forever. Instead, they are built to win elections and form governments.
“There is no political party that exists only for street protests. Political parties are not NGOs. Their main job is to form the government,” he said.
He emphasised that ODM must have a clear plan for national power. According to him, even if the party does not produce a president in 2027, it must do so in 2032 without fail.
“That must be the lowest goal for ODM,” he added.
The Kisumu meeting, which was attended by several leaders, highlighted a shift in tone among political figures from the region.
Many of them are now urging the Luo community to embrace national cooperation as the country moves closer to the election season.
Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron said the community should back President William Ruto’s second-term bid without attaching conditions.
In his view, the President has already shown goodwill by appointing key leaders from the region to powerful ministries.
“He gave John Mbadi the Finance docket without asking for anything in return. He gave Opiyo Wandayi the Energy docket without any conditions,” Oron said.
“For that reason, we should also support him without conditions or threats.”
Oron said that development projects in Nyanza have grown under President Ruto, especially in infrastructure and business support.
He described himself as a “two-term crusader for Ruto” and urged the community to see the bigger picture.
Mbadi also addressed those asking the Luo community to join other political groups like the one associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. He warned that such alliances may leave the community without meaningful influence.
“Those telling us to work with Rigathi Gachagua should show us where we fit in their lineup,” he said.
“In their arrangement we do not appear anywhere, yet in this one, we have a place.”
He urged leaders to think carefully and make decisions that will benefit future generations.
According to Mbadi, politics is not only about emotions or loyalty but also about strategic positioning.
“We must know how to be in government and how to work with government. Our future depends on where we place ourselves,” he said.
The empowerment funds drive in Kisumu targeted traders who have long struggled with lack of capital, unpredictable market conditions, and slow economic recovery.
The leaders said that empowering small traders is one of the fastest ways to uplift families and build a stronger regional economy.
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