Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has questioned what the Luo community stands to gain from supporting Winnie Odinga’s reported bid for the Nairobi Senate seat, while declaring his own ambitions to contest the presidency in 2032.
Mbadi said political support from the Luo community should be guided by the benefits it would bring to the community, challenging Winnie to explain how her potential entry into the Nairobi senatorial race would advance their interests.
“You want the Luo community to follow you for the seat of Nairobi Senator, but what will that help us with?” Mbadi posed.
The Cabinet Secretary also dismissed claims that his remarks amounted to disrespecting the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, saying some people had criticised him for speaking out at a time when Raila was no longer alive.
“When I speak, some people are saying that Mbadi is disrespecting Raila. That Raila is not with us,” he said.
Mbadi further made his political ambitions clear, revealing that he is serious about pursuing the presidency in the 2032 General Election and wants the Luo community to rally behind his bid.
“I’m also serious about my 2032 presidential bid. I want Luos to support me,” Mbadi stated.
His remarks signal an early contest for political influence and the backing of the Luo community ahead of the 2027 General Election and the longer-term 2032 presidential race.
The comments also raise questions about political succession and leadership within the community following Raila Odinga’s death, as leaders position themselves for future electoral contests.
