Ida Odinga has opened Pandora's box with her revelation that Azimio party leader Raila Odinga prefers nominated MP John Mbadi as his successor, if his bid for the African Union Commission chairperson post sails through.
Speaking at a function in Nyandiwa in Suba South on Friday, February 23, Ida settled on Mbadi whom she praised as Raila's heartbeat in an endorsement likely to fuel tensions inside ODM.
“Baba as he goes to AU has mentored many to take care of what he’s left behind. Mbadi after all these years of mentorship do you still need more training? Should I continue?
“That’s Baba’s heartbeat,” she stated to the delight of the audience which also cheered Mbadi who was present at the function.
Ida, however, added that more leaders who were tutored by Raila were ready to step up whenever but Mbadi topped the list.
She also assured Raila's supporters that the party was intact and safe despite Raila seeking to offer his services to the continent and may fail to seek the presidency in a sixth stab in 2027.
“There is nothing that has been lost. He is still a Kenyan and he is not the first Kenyan to seek a job outside the country. He has a ready team, and even when he is away, they are still," Ida, considered to have tested the waters on her husband's behalf encouraged his support base.
In his response, Mbadi assured Azimio supporters that the party's operations were well-oiled, and they were angling at reaping the benefits of Raila's role at AU, if successful.
“The fact that Raila is going to the AU job should not bother you at all. We are the ones who know the advantage of it. Let him go and be the President of the whole of Africa,” he stated.
“To the people of Nyandiwa, that was a big statement. Thank you for the great reception you accorded us! To min piny Dr. Ida Odinga, the words of encouragement meant a lot to me in this journey,” he added.
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, on Thursday, February 22, dismissed reports of a succession battle risking to divide the party and promised to keep the supporters informed in case of new developments.
"These virtues form the basis upon which any succession or filling of vacant leadership positions is conducted. If a time ever comes for transitions within the party's leadership, we will make it public," the statement signed by Sifuna read in part.
Sifuna, who also serves as Nairobi Senator further warned the media against peddling fake information aimed at sparking tensions in ODM and countrywide.
"We understand politics sells, especially anything revolving around the Rt Hon Odinga, but we urge that the media takes only the truth to the market,” Sifuna urged.
The ripple effect of Ida's endorsement of Mbadi is yet to be felt, especially with key Azimio leaders, Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper) and Martha Karua (Narc Kenya) eying Raila's blessings as his successor.
Raila played cagey with his 2027 ambition but stated that he was open to supporting another candidate, mostly like Kalonzo, whom he described as a loyal co-principal.
