- Political sparks flew as CS John Mbadi confronted ODM secretary-general Edwin Sifuna during slain MP Ong’ondo Were’s burial
- Mbadi declared unwavering loyalty to ODM, insisting his work in Ruto’s government is proof of what Raila’s team could achieve in power
- In a bold yet conciliatory tone, Mbadi asked Sifuna for full party support, reminding him, “I am a member of your party, I belong to ODM
- The moment of tension ended with an unexpected embrace, as Sifuna and Mbadi shook hands before thousands
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Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Homa Bay – A moment of political tension unfolded between Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna and Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi.
During the burial of slain Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were on Friday, May 9, a dramatic scene that gripped mourners and captured national attention.
Mbadi, who was among the dignitaries attending the funeral, used the platform to publicly address recent criticisms directed at him by the Nairobi senator and ODM secretary-general.
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The exchange, delivered with a mix of candour and emotion, played out in the presence of ODM party leader Raila Odinga, further amplifying its political significance.
In his speech, Mbadi was firm in asserting his loyalty to the Orange outfit despite his appointment to President William Ruto’s government.
The former ODM chairman made it clear that while he may be serving in the Kenya Kwanza administration, he had not defected from the party that has shaped much of his political career.
“But let me now conclude. Baba, this county of Homa Bay is united in terms of leadership. We are united. We are in ODM. Let me repeat, I am in ODM. I am not an official of ODM because the law does not allow me, but I am a member, a life member of ODM. I am not about to relinquish that,” Mbadi began, addressing Raila directly.
The remarks came in response to a wave of criticism from within ODM’s ranks, particularly from Sifuna, who has accused some of the party’s members now serving in government of abandoning the opposition’s agenda.
Why should Sifuna support Mbadi
Mbadi’s words, however, aimed to reassure the party’s base that his current role was being used to demonstrate what ODM leaders could accomplish in positions of power.
He explained that he found the economy in a very bad state, but resolved to steady the ship out of loyalty to the country and the ODM party.
The CS pointed out that his work would be a reference point of what Raila would have done with his team if he ascended to the highest office in the land.
“I have been the chairman of ODM for 10 years. I am the longest-serving chairman of ODM. And I belong to this party. I have put a lot of effort since you sent us to the government. The reason why I am putting a lot of effort to reform this economy… apart from being patriotic… is that I wanted to demonstrate to the whole world that if Raila Odinga became the president, these are the people you would have gone with to the government and this is what they would have done,” he explained.
Mbadi then turned his remarks directly toward Sifuna, appealing for unity within the party. His message was pointed but conciliatory.
“If I am there, I expect total 100% support from the party. Starting with the secretary general, my brother Sifuna, please, I am a member of your party. I don’t belong to any other party. I belong to ODM. If I fail, there is no way in 2027 you are talking about you will convince anyone that ODM can run a government,” he said, drawing a mix of cheers and murmurs from the crowd.
The tension was palpable, but what followed surprised many as Sifuna, who had remained composed throughout the speech, approached Mbadi.
They shook hands and hugged, a moment that symbolised a public thawing of what had been an increasingly strained relationship.
What is Raila’s plea to Sifuna
At the same event, ODM leader Raila Odinga addressed internal disagreements within his party concerning its relationship with President William Ruto’s administration. S
Raila acknowledged that the Nairobi senator and ODM secretary-general had been vocal in opposing the government’s actions.
He affirmed that Sifuna, as secretary-general, represents the party’s official stance. However, he urged Sifuna to moderate his remarks to maintain party unity.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
