John Mbadi has called on members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) who oppose supporting William Ruto in the 2027 General Election to engage in structured dialogue and clearly articulate their stance.
Speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, following a high-level meeting with the Luo Council of Elders, Mbadi warned that uncoordinated public statements were fueling unnecessary tensions within the Luo community.
Elders Concerned About Unity
Mbadi revealed that the elders’ primary concern is safeguarding unity both within the Luo community and within ODM itself.
“I think the elders, first and foremost, are concerned about the unity of the Luo community, then the unity of ODM. And I will tell you that the things that you are seeing happening today did not start yesterday, they started when Raila was alive, although they were muted,” Mbadi stated.
His remarks suggest that the current rifts are not new but were previously contained while Raila Odinga was alive.
Mbadi argued that the faction associated with Edwin Sifuna did not emerge after Raila’s passing but had long existed within the party.
According to him, these internal disagreements were subdued out of respect for Raila’s authority and leadership, but have now surfaced more openly.
The Treasury CS cautioned that persistent public disagreements could create dangerous divisions within the Luo community, particularly at a time when political realignments are intensifying ahead of the 2027 elections.
He urged party members to resolve their differences through internal mechanisms rather than public confrontation, emphasizing the importance of unity during a sensitive political transition period.
ODM at a Crossroads
ODM has recently experienced heightened internal wrangles over its political direction, especially regarding its relationship with President Ruto’s administration and possible alignments in 2027.
Mbadi’s appeal signals growing concern among senior leaders and community elders about the potential fragmentation of both the party and its traditional support base.
As succession debates and coalition talks continue to shape Kenya’s political landscape, calls for dialogue and unity are likely to remain central in ODM’s internal deliberations.
