Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has called for urgent dialogue within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) over growing divisions tied to President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid.
Speaking during a press briefing with the Luo Council of Elders in Nairobi on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Mbadi warned that conflicting public statements from party leaders are fueling tension within the Luo community and the broader ODM party.
Internal Divisions Not New
Following a high-level meeting with the elders, Mbadi said the internal disagreements currently shaking ODM did not begin after the death of longtime party leader Raila Odinga in October 2025. He argued that the cracks had existed for years but remained subdued while Raila was alive.
“I think the elders, first and foremost, are concerned about the unity of the Luo community, then the unity of ODM. And I will tell you that the things that you are seeing happening today did not start yesterday; they started when Raila was alive, although they were muted,” Mbadi stated.
Mbadi took aim at a faction associated with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who was recently removed as ODM Secretary General by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC). He said opposition to backing President Ruto did not suddenly emerge after Raila’s passing.
“This talk of not supporting President William Ruto by SG of the party (Edwin Sifuna) happened even when Raila was alive, only that it was muted because right now, a way of people actually—I don’t know whether to say respected or feared him at the same time—so it was not as loud,” Mbadi added.
Long-Standing Opposition Within ODM
The Cabinet Secretary also referenced earlier statements by Siaya Governor James Orengo and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, noting that both had previously resisted working with the Ruto administration.
“The same with James Orengo; he spoke even when Raila was alive that he did not want to work with them too. We know the same with Babu Owino; they said they did not want to work with him, but what we are telling them is, ‘Can you come and tell us why you strongly feel that you want to go the other side?’” the CS stated.
Mbadi challenged party members opposing cooperation with Ruto to present their case through formal ODM structures. He argued that Kenya’s political landscape has effectively narrowed to two main camps, leaving little space for middle ground.
“Because in Kenya there are just two political groupings, let’s not lie to ourselves. So if you don’t want to work with Ruto, who do you want to work with? You want to work with Wamunyoro (Rigathi Gachagua) and the rest?” he asked.
“We are saying come and tell us, come and try to convince us,” Mbadi added.
Warning Over Rising Tensions
CS Mbadi cautioned that what he termed “disjointed statements” from ODM leaders are contributing to real-world instability. He revealed that the Luo Council of Elders had expressed concern about recent violence, including the death of a young man during the “Linda Mwananchi” political tour in Kitengela.
“And these elders are saying this disjointed statement is causing tension to the extent I’m told that the person who was lost in Kitengela was a Luo. I didn’t know that, and Luos, we have lost lives. I don’t think it is necessary at this time,” Mbadi said.
“But if there is anyone who thinks it is necessary, come and persuade us,” the CS concluded.
