Mbadi Breaks Silence on Raila Death Remarks and Alleged Beef With Odinga Family

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has defended controversial remarks he made about the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s death and dismissed claims that he has fallen out with Raila’s daughter Winnie Odinga and sister Ruth Odinga.

Speaking during an interview with political analyst Herman Manyora at his Treasury office on Wednesday, June 10, Mbadi said some people misunderstood his comments while others deliberately turned them into a political issue.

The CS was responding to concerns about remarks he made at a recent ODM meeting in the Coast region, where some critics accused him of disrespecting Raila’s legacy.

“Partly it was a misunderstanding, and partly it was politics,” Mbadi said.

According to Mbadi, one of the leaders who later criticised him was present when he made the remarks and did not object at the time.

He argued that ODM members at the meeting would not have applauded him if he had spoken negatively about Raila.

“The way ODM members regard Raila, even today in death, they would never have cheered me if I had insulted him. They would have removed me from the stage,” he said.

What Mbadi Meant

Mbadi explained that his message was that ODM members should accept the reality that Raila is no longer alive and focus on strengthening the party instead of dwelling on the past.

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He said protecting Raila’s legacy does not mean constantly talking about him but ensuring ODM remains united and strong.

“The best way to protect Raila’s legacy is to support a strong ODM party. Don’t allow ODM to be broken,” Mbadi stated.

The former ODM chairman said he felt it was his responsibility to offer direction to party members, especially at a time when internal disagreements have emerged within the party.

Treasury CS Urges ODM to Prepare for the Future

Mbadi noted that political divisions are common and argued that ODM should focus on the future rather than searching for another leader like Raila.

“We may never get another Raila in our lifetime,” he said.

He also suggested that party members should not expect leaders like Siaya Governor James Orengo and ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna to stay with the party forever.

According to Mbadi, ODM must move beyond what he described as a political “hangover” and concentrate on building the party’s future.

He revealed that he had previously proposed dropping slogans such as “Linda Ground” and instead encouraging members to rally behind the ODM party itself.

“We are ODM. Anyone who leaves ODM is choosing another path,” he said.

Addresses Claims of Rift With Odinga Family

Mbadi’s comments come amid rumours of tension with Raila’s family, especially Winnie and Ruth Odinga.

He clarified that the disagreement was mainly due to how his words were interpreted and used in politics.

Also Read: CS Mbadi Sets Record Straight on Mau Mau Not Fighting for Independence

He stressed that he never meant to disrespect Raila but wanted ODM supporters to focus on the party’s future and unity.

Mbadi’s comments that drew public criticism stemmed from remarks he made while discussing political changes in ODM.

While speaking about party issues, he said:

“Baba is no more. This is the post-Raila era now. You can’t keep telling us Baba said this, Baba said this. Where is that Baba now to tell us what he meant?”

Many people understood the statement as disrespectful to the late ODM leader Raila Odinga. Some accused him of failing to respect Raila’s legacy.

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Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. PHOTO/NA