Treasury CS John Mbadi has received backing from ODM youth and supporters in the Rift Valley over his recent remarks on the future of the party following the death of Raila Odinga.
A group identifying itself as Concerned ODM Supporters and Progressive Youths defended Mbadi against criticism of disrespecting Raila’s legacy.
The group said recent public exchanges involving Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga and Mbadi were politically motivated and aimed at undermining both the CS and the party.
Mbadi had last week stated that ODM should move on following Raila’s death, adding that the party did not belong to any individual or family. His remarks sparked criticism from Ruth Odinga and a section of ODM supporters.
In a statement issued in Eldoret, the youth leaders said Mbadi’s comments had been misinterpreted.
“From our understanding, CS Mbadi did not insult or disrespect the memory of the late Raila Odinga in any way. His message was clear — leaders should avoid using the name of the late party leader to justify personal political positions or create divisions within the party,” the statement read.
The group was led by Bonface Nangabwa, Zadok Mutama, Oriko Odhiambo, Alex Omollo and Velma Angira among others.
Nangabwa said Mbadi’s remarks were intended to remind members that ODM was bigger than individuals, families or political camps.
“At no point did CS Mbadi attack the Odinga family. Instead, he emphasised the importance of protecting ODM as a national democratic movement built through sacrifice, struggle and support from millions of Kenyans across the country,” Nangabwa said.
The youth leaders rejected attempts to portray ODM as a family property, saying Raila stood for democracy, inclusivity and institutional leadership rather than family control.
“There was nothing wrong with CS Mbadi saying Raila Odinga was gone because that is a fact we now have to live with and look for ways of keeping ODM strong,” Mutama said.
They said some leaders were using emotional narratives that risked dividing the party instead of focusing on unity and strengthening ODM for the future.
The group described attacks on Mbadi as unfair and politically unnecessary, noting that he had served and defended ODM for many years.
They also acknowledged the role played by Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga as one of Raila’s trusted advisers but insisted that no individual should claim monopoly over Raila’s political legacy.
“At a time when he is working to stabilise the economy and address challenges affecting ordinary citizens, we believe he deserves support and respect rather than unnecessary political attacks,” Omollo said.
The youth called on ODM leaders and supporters to embrace unity, maturity and responsible leadership to safeguard the party’s stability and future.
Instant analysis
The public fallout over John Mbadi’s remarks exposes the growing succession battle within ODM following Raila Odinga’s death. While Mbadi appears to push for institutionalizing the party beyond one family or personality, his critics view the comments as politically insensitive given Raila’s historical influence and emotional connection with supporters. The intervention by Rift Valley ODM youths signals an emerging faction seeking to reposition ODM as a national party capable of surviving beyond its founding leader. The exchanges also reveal deeper tensions over who shapes ODM’s future direction, controls Raila’s political legacy and influences the party’s strategy ahead of the 2027 General Election.
