Speaking in Nairobi during a meeting with the Luo Council of Elders, Mbadi warned that public disagreements among party leaders were fueling tension within the Luo community and risked escalating into real-world conflict if not addressed through structured discussions.
Long-standing divisions
Mbadi revealed that internal differences within ODM did not begin recently but existed even during the lifetime of the late party leader Raila Odinga.
According to him, the disagreements were largely muted at the time due to Odinga’s authority and influence.
He pointed to statements by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, which have opposed cooperation with Ruto’s camp, saying such positions were expressed long before Odinga’s death but were not openly amplified.
“The things you are seeing today did not start yesterday; they started when Raila was alive, only that they were muted,” Mbadi said.
The CS added that resistance to working with Ruto had also been voiced by senior ODM figures such as James Orengo and Babu Owino, stressing that the disagreement represents a long-standing ideological divide rather than a new political rebellion.
Call to explain political position
Mbadi urged leaders opposed to cooperation with the President to openly present their alternative political path.
He pointed to statements by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, which have opposed cooperation with Ruto’s camp, saying such positions were expressed long before Odinga’s death but were not openly amplified.
“The things you are seeing today did not start yesterday; they started when Raila was alive, only that they were muted,” Mbadi said.
The CS added that resistance to working with Ruto had also been voiced by senior ODM figures such as James Orengo and Babu Owino, stressing that the disagreement represents a long-standing ideological divide rather than a new political rebellion.
Call to explain political position
Mbadi urged leaders opposed to cooperation with the President to openly present their alternative political path.
He argued that Kenya’s political environment effectively revolves around two main alliances and party members must clarify where they stand.
“If you don’t want to work with Ruto, who do you want to work with?” he posed, suggesting that political actors should clearly identify their preferred alignment rather than issuing public statements that heighten tensions.
He emphasized that the party leadership was willing to listen and be persuaded through dialogue instead of confrontation.
According to Mbadi, elders expressed concern that confrontational messaging is already producing dangerous consequences on the ground.
“If you don’t want to work with Ruto, who do you want to work with?” he posed, suggesting that political actors should clearly identify their preferred alignment rather than issuing public statements that heighten tensions.
He emphasized that the party leadership was willing to listen and be persuaded through dialogue instead of confrontation.
According to Mbadi, elders expressed concern that confrontational messaging is already producing dangerous consequences on the ground.
He referenced unrest during the recent Kitengela “Linda Mwananchi” political tour where a life was reportedly lost, noting the victim was from the Luo community.
The CS cautioned that political competition should not lead to violence or community divisions.
“We have already lost lives. I don’t think it is necessary at this time,” Mbadi said, urging restraint among leaders and supporters alike.
Party unity at stake
The disagreement comes at a sensitive time as ODM seeks to redefine its political direction ahead of the 2027 elections.
The CS cautioned that political competition should not lead to violence or community divisions.
“We have already lost lives. I don’t think it is necessary at this time,” Mbadi said, urging restraint among leaders and supporters alike.
Party unity at stake
The disagreement comes at a sensitive time as ODM seeks to redefine its political direction ahead of the 2027 elections.
With Odinga no longer at the helm, competing strategies are emerging — one faction pushing engagement with the government and another advocating independence from it.
Political observers say the debate could reshape opposition politics and alliances nationally, particularly in regions traditionally supportive of ODM.
Mbadi maintained that dialogue remains the only path forward, insisting disagreements should be resolved internally rather than through public confrontation.
“We are saying: come, tell us your reasons and try to convince us,” he concluded.
Political observers say the debate could reshape opposition politics and alliances nationally, particularly in regions traditionally supportive of ODM.
Mbadi maintained that dialogue remains the only path forward, insisting disagreements should be resolved internally rather than through public confrontation.
“We are saying: come, tell us your reasons and try to convince us,” he concluded.
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