By Jabali Digital
Cabinet Secretary (CS) for finance John Mbadi has hit out at Siaya governor James Orengo for declaring that he is ready to lead Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) supporters back to the streets.
Speaking in Mombasa during the ODM @20 celebrations last weekend, Orengo said he would lead the ‘ODM troops’ back to the streets, if the government fails the accountability and service delivery test.
In a rejoinder, Mbadi speaking at the Jomo Kenyatta Sports ground in Kisumu on Friday during a joint fundraiser for Kibuye and Kondele traders, Mbadi said no political party is formed to be on the streets for over.
“There is no political party formed to demonstrate throughout,” Mbadi, the former ODM national chairman declared.
Political parties, he noted, are formed to form government, and not to be in the opposition ‘forever.’
“If we cannot produce the president of Kenya in 2027, we must produce the president of Kenya in 2032. That is the irreducible minimum of ODM,” Mbadi said, urging residents of Nyanza to continue supporting the broad-government led by president William Ruto.
There is no way, Mbadi added, residents of Nyanza – strongholds of former ODM leader, the late Raila Odinga can stop backing Ruto in favour of former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua.
“A political party is not a civil society group,” the CS added, insisting that the ‘journey to Canaan’ started by Raila Odinga is still on.
The fundraiser was organized by Kisumu Central Member of Parliament (MP) Joshua Odongo Oron, with over Sh7 million being contributed. Mbadi contributed Sh3 million with president Ruto marching the amount, while CS for Interior Onesmus Kipchumba Murokomen contributed Sh1 million.
“Kibuye and Kondele traders witnessed the power of unity today. We planted a seed of empowerment that will grow into real opportunities for our traders,” said Oron.
The event went on, despite facing opposition from some Kibuye traders, allied to their chairperson Judith Matengo alias Nyaramba, who is facing assault charges.