Nominated Member of Parliament John Mbadi, on Wednesday, February 15, ranted at Kenya Kwanza politicians who trolled him on his threat to quit as the chairman of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
The nominated MP argued that he had the potential to run for top elective seats, including the presidency, and would not only be limited to being an opposition leader, as Kenya Kwanza MP claimed.
The parliamentarian rebutted remarks by the leader of the majority, Kimani Ichungw’ah, who joked that he could be the next opposition leader.
While debating on creating an office of the opposition leader, Ichungwa’ah remarked that the position was not a preserve of the few.
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“There are those Kenyans who imagine the office of opposition leader is another way of appeasing a particular person or leader.
“I want to state we are not creating the position for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua…or John Mbadi,” he remarked.
The former Suba MP was irked by Ichungwa'h's remarks leading him to declare he was not interested in the position.
“I am very comfortable where I am and was shocked to hear Ichungw’ah tout that I wanted to be the official opposition leader.
“I want to be the president, not an opposition leader, Minority seat was enough for me and I now want to go for the presidency,” he declared.
While opposing the move to create such an office, the parliamentarian noted that there were more pressing issues the government should concentrate on.
“Our people are suffering, and a constitutional amendment should not be a priority now.
“The priority should be reducing the cost of living and making sure the government do not overtax its people,” he stated while opposing the motion.
Mbadi, on February 7, caused a stir by revealing that he was willing to step down as Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) chairman arguing that
“Those who think being chairman is important, let them offer themselves to lead. I am ready to leave the position to them.
"I want to repeat it for the record, I want to leave this position of ODM chair,” he remarked while addressing the press at Parliament Buildings.
