“ODM Turmoil Escalates as Chairman John Mbadi Ready to Resign”
Woes continued to mount within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) on Tuesday, February 7, as its Chairman John Mbadi announced that he was ready to resign from his position. During a speech at the Parliament buildings, Mbadi directed the party’s leadership to appoint a vice-chair to succeed him.
Despite clarifying that he would remain a member of the party, Mbadi emphasized that his role as chairman did not define him and that he was willing to serve the party in any capacity. “I am not someone who will abandon the office before ensuring a smooth succession. I want to be succeeded, and I will still serve the party in whatever capacity,” he said.
Mbadi, who has served as the party chairman for nine years, added, “I am not clinging to the chairmanship. Some people may think that being the chair is all that I want, but that’s far from the truth. I have done my part.”
In response to accusations that he had skipped rallies convened by ODM leader Raila Odinga, Mbadi stated, “If those who think being chairman is so important to them, then let them offer themselves for the role. I am ready to step down from the position. Right now, I am the chair, but I am not desperate to keep the position. I have done my part.”
“ODM MPs Meet with Ruto and Gachagua: Party Accuses Ruling Administration of Bribing Opposition”
The news of Mbadi’s resignation came shortly after nine ODM MPs held a breakfast meeting with President William Ruto and his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, at State House. The MPs included Shakeel Shabir (Independent – Kisumu Town East), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Mark Nyamita (Uriri), Tom Ojienda (Kisumu), Paul Abuor (Rongo), and Phelix Odiwuor (Jalang’o).
Philip Etale, the ODM Director of Communications, stated that the meeting did not come as a surprise to the party’s leadership, given the ongoing attempts by the ruling administration to woo ODM leaders. He accused Ruto’s government of attempting to bribe ODM members and weaken the opposition by spending plundered money.
“They have started spending looted money to deceive some of our leaders and sabotage our activities. Such meetings are aimed at distracting Kenyans from the issues they face, including the high cost of living, unaffordable school fees for their children, and corruption,” Etale said.
