Raila Gave ‘Two-Term’ Green Light to Only Mbadi and Wandayi, Caroli Omondi Claims

Fresh details have emerged about the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s quiet political strategy regarding President William Ruto’s second-term ambitions, with Suba South MP Caroli Omondi revealing that only two ODM leaders were authorised to publicly use the phrase “two-term.”

Speaking during a television interview on December 23, 2025, Omondi said Raila was deliberate and firm in limiting who could openly endorse President Ruto’s re-election using that language. 

According to the legislator, the approval was strictly reserved for Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi and Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi.

“Baba was very clear. Only Mbadi and Wandayi were allowed to say ‘two-term.’ The rest of us were instructed not to,” Omondi stated.

Both Mbadi and Wandayi are senior ODM figures currently serving in the Kenya Kwanza government under the broad-based arrangement, a political cooperation that has continued to divide opinion within the party.

Omondi, who chairs the National Assembly’s Committee on Implementation and Oversight of the Constitution, said Raila personally instructed ODM Members of Parliament to avoid making public statements that could be interpreted as endorsing President Ruto’s second-term bid.

He challenged anyone disputing his account to come forward, insisting that Raila’s instructions were issued clearly and directly to party legislators.

“He told us not to say ‘two-term.’ If any MP wants to contradict that, they can come out openly, and we will say where the instruction was given,” Omondi added.

The MP further disclosed that only one additional legislator was granted limited permission to occasionally use the phrase after making a special request.

Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi, who serves on the Budget and Appropriations Committee, reportedly sought Raila’s consent due to his committee role.

Omondi said Atandi was allowed to make limited references to Ruto’s second term but did not receive blanket approval like Mbadi and Wandayi.

This revelation comes amid intensifying debate within ODM following Raila Odinga’s death in October 2025. 

The party has since been grappling with questions about leadership, ideology, and whether to continue cooperating with the Kenya Kwanza administration or return to its traditional opposition role.

While some ODM leaders argue that engagement with the government helps secure development and national stability, others believe the arrangement risks weakening the party’s identity and alienating its support base.

ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna is among those who have voiced strong concerns about party members pushing policies that favour President Ruto while still operating under the ODM banner. Speaking at a fundraiser in Borabu Constituency in November, Sifuna warned that such conduct could undermine party unity.

“There are people in ODM who say they support the broad-based government, which is fine, but they should not think they are clever while pushing Ruto’s agenda from within,” Sifuna said.

He accused some leaders of hiding behind party loyalty while advancing positions that conflict with ODM’s long-held principles, adding that the party leadership was closely monitoring the situation.

The divisions have exposed growing tensions within ODM, particularly as the 2027 General Election approaches. With Raila no longer at the helm, competing visions for the party’s future have begun to surface more openly.