“I Am Ready to Be Luo Kingpin,” Mbadi Declares

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has made his boldest declaration yet that he is prepared to take the mantle of Luo political leadership following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, saying he has the experience, grounding and vision to guide the community into what he calls its next political chapter.

Addressing residents during an empowerment drive in Kisumu on Friday, Mbadi said he understands the political journey Raila charted for decades but intends to lead with his own identity, insisting that succession should not be reduced to simply filling the late leader’s shoes.

He described Raila as a towering figure whose sacrifices cannot be replicated, but said that leadership must now evolve with new realities.

“I know where Raila was taking us but I won’t put on his shoes. I will buy one that fits me and lead the Luo community the way I know. I am ready to lead the Luo nation into Canaan,” Mbadi said, drawing applause from the crowd.

He revisited Odinga’s long struggle for democracy and justice, saying anyone aspiring to succeed him must understand the weight of that history. According to him, it is misguided to imagine that another leader can simply assume Raila’s place without enduring the political trials that defined the ODM leader’s life. He said the community was now at a defining moment and needed to move forward with clarity and unity.

His remarks come amid heightened jostling over who will inherit Raila’s extensive political bloc. Mbadi’s claim is strengthened by Ida Odinga’s public endorsement last year, when she said the then nominated MP had been trained by Raila for years and was best positioned to take over the region’s political leadership. At the time, she praised his steadfastness and said he carried Raila’s confidence and trust.

Several other senior leaders have also expressed interest or are seen as potential successors. Among them are Raila’s elder brother and ODM party leader Oburu Oginga, Energy and Petroleum CS Opiyo Wandayi, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga. A younger generation featuring Winnie Odinga and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino is also pushing for greater influence, signalling a competitive and unpredictable transition.

Mbadi said succession must not destabilise ODM or derail the community’s long-term ambitions, urging the party to focus on capturing state power instead of being trapped in perpetual protest politics. He said political parties are formed to govern and must therefore prepare strategically for the next two general elections.

“If we cannot produce a president for Kenya in 2027, we must produce a president of Kenya in 2032. That must be the irreducible minimum for ODM and for our community,” he said.

He also defended ODM’s involvement in the broad-based government, saying political alliances should be guided by strategy rather than emotion. According to him, those urging the community to reject cooperation with President William Ruto are not offering a realistic alternative. He insisted that ODM must learn to operate both inside and outside government if it hopes to shape national destiny.

The coming months are expected to intensify the Luo succession debate as Mbadi moves to consolidate his base while other political heavyweights position themselves. But with Ida Odinga’s nod and a growing assertiveness, Mbadi appears intent on stepping fully into the space Raila occupied for decades and steering a new era of Luo politics under his own imprint.