The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is facing its biggest challenge yet, with party chairman John Mbadi offering to step down from his position. The news of Mbadi’s resignation came hours after eight ODM politicians met with President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, to pledge their loyalty.
Political analysts Martin Oloo and Bobby Mkangi were consulted to understand the impact of Mbadi’s resignation on ODM’s future. According to Bobby Mkangi, a constitutional lawyer, this is an opportunity for the party to undertake internal restructuring and bring stability to the party. “The party needs a reorganization because it is unsettled, and this should start from having grassroots elections,” he said.
However, Martin Oloo, an advocate of the High Court, sees the situation as dire and believes that the ODM is on the brink of collapse. “The last of what we used to know as ODM has passed. We are about to witness an implosion inside ODM and the likelihood of a new party,” he said.
Who Will Replace Mbadi?
Bobby Mkangi believes that former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho could be a viable option as the new party chairman. He stated that Joho’s position as the deputy party leader and his status as a non-Nyanza resident could give the party a national outlook. Martin Oloo, on the other hand, believes that Joho’s time at the party is up and that he will fade away with the rest of the old guards.
Another contender for the top seat is former Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya, according to Mkangi. Oloo countered by saying that the old guards in the party are quickly losing ground to the young Turks and that senior politicians like Joho and Oparanya will likely join the establishment.
Suna East MP Junet Mohammed was also mentioned as a potential candidate for the party’s top seat by Mkangi, who praised his unwavering loyalty to the party and Raila Odinga. However, Oloo does not see Junet playing a role in the future of ODM or its possible reincarnation.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino received a glowing recommendation from Martin Oloo, who believes that he is the future of the party and its future breakaway formations. Oloo praised Babu’s radical opinions and willingness to take on the establishment, calling him the “new face of the new revolution that is happening in ODM.”
In conclusion, the future of the ODM is uncertain, with a possible implosion leading to the formation of a new party. The resignation of John Mbadi has opened up the possibility of internal restructuring, and the race is on to determine who will become the new party chairman.
