Mbadi calls for dialogue as ODM rift over supporting Ruto’s 2027 bid deepens
By Cy Muganda, February 17, 2026Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has called on ODM members opposed to supporting President William Ruto in 2027 to engage in dialogue and explain their position, warning that disjointed statements are causing dangerous tensions within the Luo community.
Speaking during a press briefing with the Luo Council of Elders in Nairobi on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, following a high-level meeting, Mbadi revealed that divisions within ODM existed even before Raila Odinga’s death.
“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.
ODM division
Mbadi argued that the faction led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna did not emerge after the death of ODM leader Raila Odinga, but had existed long before, only remaining muted out of deference to Raila’s authority.
“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.
He cited long-standing dissent from senior ODM figures, including James Orengo and Babu Owino, noting that their reservations about working with Ruto were not new.
“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.
Political alignment
Mbadi urged those opposed to backing Ruto to openly explain their position, insisting that Kenya’s political landscape effectively revolves around two main alignments.
“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.
The Treasury CS warned that what he described as “disjointed statements” were heightening tensions, with real-world consequences. Mbadi revealed that elders had expressed concern over the recent unrest, including the death of an individual during the Kitengela Linda Mwananchi political tour.
“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. 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.