Africa-Press – Kenya. Treasury CS John Mbadi has dismissed claims that the presence of Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga as ODM’s political leader in the Nyanza region should not discourage other leaders from pursuing higher office.
Mbadi said some leaders had recently questioned why politicians from the region continue to jostle for influence when the party already has an established senior figure
Speaking during the launch of the National Students Budget Forum for the 2026/2027 Financial Year, Mbadi clarified that while Oburu commands respect within the party, his position does not bar others from chasing their ambitions.
“The other day I heard a leader asking why politicians fighting to be kingpin of this region? But he said that we have the ODM Party leader Oburu Oginga here. Oburu is our political leader in ODM but that does not kill our ambitions. It does not kill our ambitions. We respect him as the party leader but we are also there and no one will come in my house and tell me to run for president,” he said.
Mbadi noted that if he chooses to seek an office in 2032, it will be a personal decision informed by his agenda and policy propositions.
“It is me to decide, if I’m going to run in 2032, it is I to say that I want to run and present my policies. If someone else is not interested in offering themselves for political seats, let them stay at home. Those of us who have what it takes to lead our people.”
On November 13, ODM’s National Governing Council officially approved Siaya Senator Oburu as the party’s leader.
The council also endorsed Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Kisii Governor Simba Arati, and Vihiga Senator Geoffrey Osoti as deputy party leaders.
Vice chairpersons Ariko Namoit and Rarieda MP, Senior Counsel Otiende Amollo, were likewise approved.
Appointments for Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga as Deputy Organising Secretary and Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu as Secretary of Political Affairs were also confirmed.
Oburu pledged to hold the party firmly in unity.
“We must remain united and serve the interest of Kenyans,” he said, affirming that ODM would never exit the broad-based government and sit on the opposition side.
A section of ODM leaders vowed to remain in President William Ruto’s broad-based government, saying their decision aligns with the wishes of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.
The leaders said the ODM founder had shown them the direction he wanted the party to take before his death.
Mbadi said the party’s direction is to work with the government for the unity and progress of the nation.
He said Raila had already prepared his community and political allies for the transition, noting that his decision to back cooperation with President Ruto was deliberate and visionary.
