Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-03-03 11:19:25
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader Raila Odinga recently made a statement indicating his support for nominated Member of Parliament John Mbadi to recapture the Suba South MP seat in the upcoming 2027 elections. This announcement was made during the Sindo Recruitment Rally in Suba South, Homabay County, where Raila expressed his disappointment in the current MP, Caroli Omondi, whom he accused of betrayal.
Caroli Omondi, who had been given the ODM ticket for the 2022 general election, reportedly pledged his loyalty to President William Ruto immediately after winning the seat, much to the dismay of Raila. This betrayal by Caroli Omondi led Raila to declare that the ODM ticket for the 2027 elections would be reserved for John Mbadi, who serves as the ODM party chairman.
Raila recounted how they had initially supported Caroli Omondi by giving him the ODM ticket when he expressed his interest in vying for the Suba South MP seat after Mbadi had withdrawn from the race. However, Caroli’s sudden change of allegiance to President Ruto came as a shock to Raila, who had supported him for many years, even helping him secure a job at the World Bank.
John Mbadi, on the other hand, is no stranger to politics, having contested and won three consecutive parliamentary elections before. He began his political career as the Member of Parliament for Gwasi before being elected to represent Suba South in 2013. In the 2022 elections, Mbadi had opted to vie for the Homa Bay gubernatorial seat, leading to Caroli Omondi being handed the ODM ticket for the Suba South MP position.
Despite Governor Gladys Wanga ultimately receiving the gubernatorial ticket, Raila encouraged Mbadi to reclaim his former parliamentary position, especially since Wanga is still in her first term as governor. Raila emphasized his support for Mbadi by using the analogy of a father standing by his son while he builds a house, symbolizing his unwavering endorsement.
In a show of solidarity, Raila was pictured alongside ODM Chairman John Mbadi and Secretary General Edwin Sifuna during a parliamentary group meeting. This camaraderie and unity within the ODM party further solidify Raila’s endorsement of John Mbadi as the candidate for the Suba South MP seat in the upcoming 2027 elections.
Overall, Raila Odinga’s decision to back John Mbadi for the Suba South MP seat reflects a strategic move aimed at maintaining the party’s stronghold in the region and ensuring loyalty among its members. With the unwavering support of Raila and the ODM party, John Mbadi stands poised to reclaim the seat and continue serving the people of Suba South with dedication and integrity.
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