Speaking during a public engagement on Sunday, February 9, Mbadi made it clear that his political focus remains aligned with the current administration and that he is prepared to work alongside President Ruto for the remainder of the latter’s term.
He described claims linking him to a 2027 presidential bid as misleading and politically motivated.
According to Mbadi, the 2032 election represents a more realistic and strategic moment for leadership transition, arguing that the country requires stability and continuity in the near term.
According to Mbadi, the 2032 election represents a more realistic and strategic moment for leadership transition, arguing that the country requires stability and continuity in the near term.
He stated that leaders eager to contest in 2027 should do so openly, while those prepared to wait should support the existing political arrangement.
“We will work with President Ruto up to 2027, and when 2032 comes, some of us will be ready to take responsibility,” Mbadi said.
“We will work with President Ruto up to 2027, and when 2032 comes, some of us will be ready to take responsibility,” Mbadi said.
“Those who want to run in 2027 should come out clearly. I am personally prepared, but not for 2027.”
Mbadi, a former National Assembly Majority Leader and a key figure within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), strongly defended the party’s decision to support the broad-based government. He criticised ODM members opposing the cooperation with Ruto’s administration, accusing them of undermining party unity and political realism.
The Treasury CS argued that ODM’s current position aligns with what he believes the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga would have supported, had he been alive.
Mbadi, a former National Assembly Majority Leader and a key figure within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), strongly defended the party’s decision to support the broad-based government. He criticised ODM members opposing the cooperation with Ruto’s administration, accusing them of undermining party unity and political realism.
The Treasury CS argued that ODM’s current position aligns with what he believes the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga would have supported, had he been alive.
He said the party’s engagement with government was necessary to safeguard national stability and influence policy from within.
“I will be at the forefront of ensuring that ODM supports President Ruto in 2027,” Mbadi stated. “This is the responsible path for the party and for the country.”
His remarks further escalated internal tensions within ODM, particularly over the role of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who has been vocal in opposing the party’s collaboration with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“I will be at the forefront of ensuring that ODM supports President Ruto in 2027,” Mbadi stated. “This is the responsible path for the party and for the country.”
His remarks further escalated internal tensions within ODM, particularly over the role of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who has been vocal in opposing the party’s collaboration with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Mbadi openly called for Sifuna’s removal as the party’s Secretary General, claiming his continued presence was damaging ODM’s cohesion.
According to Mbadi, the party should initiate disciplinary action against leaders he accused of pursuing conflicting political interests.
According to Mbadi, the party should initiate disciplinary action against leaders he accused of pursuing conflicting political interests.
He argued that Sifuna’s public stance suggested loyalty to external political agendas rather than to ODM’s current direction.
“A person who is conflicted and selling another agenda cannot continue holding a key office in the party,” Mbadi said, adding that Sifuna should be allowed to exit ODM if he is unwilling to align with party resolutions.
Mbadi also dismissed claims that Sifuna holds critical party documents, insisting that ODM restructured its internal systems long ago by appointing trustees.
“A person who is conflicted and selling another agenda cannot continue holding a key office in the party,” Mbadi said, adding that Sifuna should be allowed to exit ODM if he is unwilling to align with party resolutions.
Mbadi also dismissed claims that Sifuna holds critical party documents, insisting that ODM restructured its internal systems long ago by appointing trustees.
He downplayed the significance of the Secretary General’s administrative role, stating that key legal and registration documents are no longer under individual control.
The ODM Secretary General belongs to a faction opposed to the party’s engagement with President Ruto, a group that includes Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga. The faction argues that ODM risks losing its opposition identity by working too closely with the ruling coalition.
On the other hand, the pro-government wing of the party, led by ODM Deputy Party Leader Oburu Odinga and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, has defended the cooperation as a strategic move that allows ODM to influence governance while avoiding political isolation.
Mbadi firmly ruled out any possibility of ODM joining the opposition alliance currently taking shape under figures such as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka. He said ODM has no intention of abandoning the broad-based government arrangement.
“We are not joining the opposition camp,” Mbadi said.
The ODM Secretary General belongs to a faction opposed to the party’s engagement with President Ruto, a group that includes Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga. The faction argues that ODM risks losing its opposition identity by working too closely with the ruling coalition.
On the other hand, the pro-government wing of the party, led by ODM Deputy Party Leader Oburu Odinga and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, has defended the cooperation as a strategic move that allows ODM to influence governance while avoiding political isolation.
Mbadi firmly ruled out any possibility of ODM joining the opposition alliance currently taking shape under figures such as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka. He said ODM has no intention of abandoning the broad-based government arrangement.
“We are not joining the opposition camp,” Mbadi said.
“ODM has made its position clear, and there is no ambiguity about where we stand.”
Mbadi’s declaration comes at a time when early political manoeuvring for future elections is intensifying, even as the country remains several years away from the next presidential contest.
Mbadi’s declaration comes at a time when early political manoeuvring for future elections is intensifying, even as the country remains several years away from the next presidential contest.
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