Opposition chief Raila Odinga’s wife Ida has endorsed nominated MP John Mbadi to take over from the ODM boss as the next Luo political kingpin.
Ida said the seasoned lawmaker has come of age and is best suited to lead the politically-charged community after Raila.
This is the first time a senior member of the influential Jaramogi family has come publicly to give direction on who should take control of the community following Raila’s declaration that he is eyeing African Union Commission chairmanship.
In September last year, Raila’s elders brother and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga stirred political discussion after sensationally backing Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi to succeed Raila. Oburu later recanted the statement.
Raila on February 15 announced he is ready to serve the continent as chairperson of the AUC, effectively pushing him out of local politics.
Raila made his aspiration public in a press conference in his Karen home attended by AU Special Envoy and former Nigeria President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The position would remove Raila from the 2027 presidential race, triggering fresh realignments as AU chairperson are required to be neutral in political contests across the continent.
Speaking on Friday, Ida urged on the Luo community to release Raila for the continental assignment saying the ODM boss has mentored men and women to take over the mantle from him.
“Nothing has gone wrong. He (Raila) is a Kenyan and not the first one to look for job outside the country,” Ida said accompanied by her daughter Rosemary.
Ida, who is known to be a crucial cog in Raila’s politics, added that there will be no vacuum with Odinga’s exit as he has trained leaders who are capable of being in charge in his absence.
While singling out Mbadi, Ida praised the nominated MP saying his long association with Raila gives him an edge above the rest in the vicious Luo kingpin succession battle.
“When I left home (for Nyandiwa), Baba told me to send his greetings. He said you should remain steadfast following the new political developments as he has already assembled a competent team that can take charge in case he goes to Addis Ababa,” Ida said.
“For long, Baba has been training Mbadi and he (Mbadi) doesn’t want any more training. You fit the bill, Mbadi Nyang’, that is it. Mbadi is where Raila’s heart is,” Ida said amidst applause.
She spoke during a public function at Nyandiwa in Suba South constituency.
Accompanying Ida were Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga, area Woman Representative Joyce Osogo and a host of MCAs and other leaders.
Speaking at the event, Mbadi told off those who are prematurely celebrating Raila's political exit to prepare for a rude shock.
“You should not be worried about Raila’s exit. There is a lot we may stand to gain with that job including World Bank-funded roads,” Mbadi said.
He is among the senior most politicians from the Luo Nyanza, having been elected to Parliament three times.
In 2022, Mbadi was nominated to the 13th Parliament after being implored by Raila to step down for Gladys Wanga for the Homa Bay gubernatorial race.
An accountant by profession, Mbadi served as assistant minister in the Office of the Prime Minister during the grand coalition government.
He served as the second Minority Leader in the 13th Parliament and currently chairs the powerful Public Accounts Committee.
The lawmaker is also credited for steering ODM, one of the oldest parties in the country, as the chairman for a decade now.
He took over the chairmanship from Kisumu Governor Nyong’o.
Ida’s sentiment comes at a time succession politics in Nyanza is seen as stormy but with no politician speaking boldly about it.
The endorsement is likely to riffle feathers in the Luo Nyanza politics given the growing list of politicians eyeing to succeed Raila.
Big political names in the region seen as possible successors kept off the discussion over the weekend.
Those whose names keep popping up in the dicy succession debate include National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o and his Siaya counterpart James Orengo.
There are also former Raila allies, now aligned to President William Ruto, who at one point were angling to become the next Luo kingpin.
They include former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero and ex-Migori Governor Okoth Obado.
Governor Orengo told a local television station that a leader will emerge just like Raila did when Jaramogi Oginga Odinga died in 1994.
“When Jaramogi died, he didn’t endorse anyone but a leader emerged,” Orengo said.
Suba South MP Caroli Omondi on his part said the exit of Raila will not leave Nyanza as political orphans as there exist leaders who are capable of taking up the challenge.
“We cannot be orphans because when we have leaders like members of the National Assembly and senators, it is only that the unifying factor is taking another assignment,” Caroli said.
Embakasi East Babu Owino, who is also touted as a possible replacement for Raila, said the Luo nation will soon get a way forward should Raila exit local politics.
“We will not be orphaned, there will be way forward. God knows the leaders who will take us to Canaan,” he said.