Ida Odinga has stirred the political waters by revealing that Azimio party leader Raila Odinga prefers nominated MP John Mbadi as his successor, should his bid for the African Union Commission chairperson post be successful.
Speaking at an event in Nyandiwa, Suba South on Friday, February 23, Ida publicly endorsed Mbadi, praising him as Raila’s chosen successor.
The endorsement is likely to intensify internal tensions within the ODM party. Ida emphasized Mbadi’s extensive mentorship under Raila, asking if he still needed further training after all these years.
“That’s Baba’s heartbeat,” she declared, drawing cheers from the audience and acknowledging Mbadi, who was present at the function. Ida clarified that while other leaders mentored by Raila were ready to step up, Mbadi topped the list.
She assured Raila’s supporters that despite his bid for the AU Commission chairperson post and the potential postponement of his presidential aspirations to 2027, the party remained intact and well-supported. Ida encouraged Raila’s base by stating, “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.”
In response, Mbadi reassured Azimio supporters that the party’s operations were well-organized, and they were poised to benefit from Raila’s role at the AU if he secures the position.
“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,” Mbadi stated, expressing gratitude for the warm reception at Nyandiwa and appreciating Ida Odinga’s words of encouragement.
