National Treasury and Economic Planning Cabinet Secretary FCPA John Mbadi has declared that the Luo community must complete the political journey to “Canaan”, a mission he says was started by former Prime Minister and ODM leader Raila Odinga, who passed on before realising it.
Addressing a massive crowd on Friday during an empowerment event for Kondele and Kibuye traders in Kisumu, Mbadi said he fully understands the political destination Raila had envisioned for the Luo community. He praised Raila as an unmatched figure in Kenyan politics, saying his legacy cannot simply be replicated.
“Raila Odinga’s shoes are too big for anyone to wear,” Mbadi said. “For you to wear Raila’s shoes, you must be jailed at Kamiti for nine years, go into exile, have your election victories denied repeatedly, face teargas, live bullets, and beatings in the streets. Who is ready for that journey?”
He added that while he understands Raila’s direction, he will lead in his own way: “I won’t put on his shoes. I will wear my own that fit my feet and lead the Luo community to the land of Canaan.”
Mbadi dismissed calls urging ODM supporters to return to street demonstrations, insisting that political parties are created to form governments, not to protest indefinitely. He said winning power requires strategy and calculated political moves, urging the Luo community to support President William Ruto’s administration as part of a long-term plan.
“There is no political party formed to hold demonstrations,” he said. “ODM was formed to take power. For the Luo nation to ascend to leadership, we must strategise and scheme. We must support President Ruto now so we can take over after 2032.”
Drawing parallels to biblical events, Mbadi likened Raila to Moses, a leader who guided the Israelites toward the Promised Land but never entered it. He said just as Moses appointed Joshua to complete the journey, he is ready to step into that role for the Luo community.
During the event, Mbadi donated KSh3 million in cash and delivered an additional KSh3 million from President William Ruto to support traders in Kibuye and Kondele. He pledged to return to Kisumu with more empowerment programmes.
