Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has intensified his bid to assume the political leadership of the Luo community following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga, signaling the beginning of a new chapter in Luo and national politics.
Speaking on Sunday during an empowerment programme in Uriri, Mbadi invoked biblical symbolism as he positioned himself as the next custodian of the community’s political destiny. He likened Odinga to Moses, who led his people through the wilderness, and cast himself as the one prepared to complete the journey to the “promised land.”
“I know where Raila was taking us, the paths he was following.
I won’t put on his shoes; I will buy my own that fit me and lead the Luo community the way I know, as we enter Canaan,”
Mbadi declared.
Odinga, who died on October 15, 2025 while undergoing treatment in India, left behind an unmatched legacy spanning four decades of political leadership. His influence defined Luo politics, national opposition movements, and Kenya’s struggles for democracy and constitutional reforms. His death has created a leadership vacuum, prompting seasoned political figures to reposition themselves.
Migori leaders, led by Governor Ochillo Ayacko, have already endorsed Mbadi as the natural heir to the community’s leadership mantle. Insiders say Mbadi is quietly building a national coalition with his eyes set on the 2032 presidential race, post-Ruto.
A Pivotal Moment for ODM and the Luo Community
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which Odinga founded and led to become Kenya’s most formidable opposition force, is undergoing a critical transition. Analysts note that the Luo community — historically united under Odinga’s stewardship — is now evaluating who can both preserve the legacy and realign the region’s political strategy ahead of future national elections.
Mbadi emphasized continuity, resilience, and forward movement:
“Raila carried the light and led our people for over 30 years.
He planned to take us to Canaan but did not make it.
However, we must enter Canaan.”
Mbadi’s Journey: From Accountant to National Figure
Born in 1972 in Suba South, Homa Bay County, Mbadi’s rise traces a trajectory from accounting to national leadership. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Makerere University and is a certified public accountant. He entered politics in 2007, serving as MP for Suba South for 15 years.
Within ODM, Mbadi rose to become party chairman and one of Raila Odinga’s closest political confidants. His appointment in July 2024 as Treasury Cabinet Secretary by President William Ruto — at the height of the Gen Z protests — signaled an unexpected political rapprochement between government and opposition forces.
As Treasury CS, he has championed fiscal discipline, ruled out new tax hikes for the 2025/26 financial year, and pushed for reforms in public spending. His technocratic leadership has earned him national visibility, though critics argue that his more reserved style differs from Odinga’s mass-mobilizing charisma.
The Road Ahead
With the Luo community seeking stability after Odinga’s death, Mbadi has emerged as one of the strongest contenders for regional leadership. His call for unity and continuity resonates with voters still mourning the loss of a political icon who defined Kenya’s democratic journey.
As the succession conversation continues to shape political realignments, Mbadi is expected to deepen his outreach across Nyanza and beyond, laying the groundwork for a long-term national strategy.
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