Idah Odinga Backs John Mbadi As Raila’s successor in Luo Nyanza

In a significant political development, Idah Odinga, the wife of Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga, has endorsed nominated MP John Mbadi as her husband’s political successor.

Speaking on Friday, February 23, 2024, in Homa Bay County, Mrs. Odinga stated that the ODM party has ‘many capable leaders, even if Mr. Odinga is not present.’

Her statement comes amid ongoing debates about who is suitable to succeed Mr. Odinga politically, both regionally and nationally, should he be elected as the chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC).

Interestingly, a few months ago, Mr. Odinga’s elder brother, Dr. Oburu Oginga, had proposed the National Assembly Minority Leader, Opiyo Wandayi, as Mr. Odinga’s political heir. This has sparked intense discussions about the leader who should take Mr. Odinga’s place, especially in the leadership of ODM and his Luo Nyanza stronghold.

The debate is not limited to Nyanza; it has also been ongoing in Ukambani, the Coast, and Western regions, all considered political strongholds for Mr. Odinga.

However, the conversation has gained momentum in Nyanza, considering that there has never been open dialogue about who would be a suitable successor in this region.

In Ukambani, the Coast, and Western regions, some political leaders have already expressed their intentions to succeed Mr. Odinga, including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former governors Hassan Joho (Mombasa) and Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega), respectively.

Analysts suggest that if Mr. Odinga decides to retire from politics, the succession process will be intriguing.

“Raila is Kenyan and not the first to seek opportunities outside the country. He has said that he has capable children here who can take his place. Mr. Mbadi is one of them. Am I lying? After all the years that Baba has taught you, do you still need more training? Are you incapable? That’s where Baba’s heart is. I’ve just given a hint, and he knows it,” said Mrs. Idah while addressing the crowd in Nyandiwa, Suba South, the constituency where Mr. Mbadi hails from.

Last year, Dr. Oburu initiated the debate after suggesting that Mr. Odinga might withdraw from active politics.

“Leaders emerge like mushrooms. They emerge like mushrooms, and that’s how Wandayi has emerged, and nothing will stop him from assuming leadership because we have let him. These are the people who will guide us,” said Dr. Oginga at an event in Ugunja, Siaya County, in September last year.

While Dr. Oginga hinted at Wandayi as the most suitable leader to take Mr. Odinga’s place, other leaders have been proposed, indicating fierce competition.

Mr. Odinga emphasized that even if elected as the AUC chair, he would continue to support his community. If he secures the position, Mr. Odinga said he would ‘take a temporary break from active politics to focus his efforts on serving Africa.’

Other politicians mentioned as potential successors include MP Babu Owino, Governor Gladys Wanga, and former governor Evans Kidero.

“Nothing stops me from returning to active politics if the situation allows,” he said, emphasizing that ‘political leadership is about sharing responsibilities.’

“Even if I’m not there, there are people close to me ready to lead ODM and Azimio la Umoja,” he added without specifying the leader he would like to see as his successor.

Mr. Mbadi, on his part, urged Nyanza residents not to be troubled by Mr. Odinga’s intention to vie for the AUC chairmanship.”