The fallout within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) deepened yesterday after long-serving chairman John Mbadi declared he was stepping down. In an interview with People Daily, Mbadi cited frustrations from unnamed top party officials.
“I think this issue is now concluded. People have asked me about my stand as the chairman and I restate that it is my time to leave,” he said. He promised to relay his decision to party leader Raila Odinga. Without delving into details, he accused a clique of people in the Orange party of pushing for his ouster. “I have been under intense pressure on social media from some party mandarins. Let me pave way for them,” he said.
He cited the party’s promise to retain him as the Minority Leader in the National Assembly, a position which was instead handed to Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi, as part of the campaign to undermine him.
No reinstatement letter He also narrated how the party removed him from the national campaign stage and tasked him to lead Azimio campaigns in Nyanza region.
. “I have not received any letter elevating me back to the national political discourse,” he said, explaining why he had stayed away from rallies called by Raila to pile pressure on the Ruto government. The outspoken MP said Raila was aware of his decision to step down from the party chairmanship. But ODM Secretary General and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna declined to comment on the matter. “He hasn’t spoken to me so I can’t comment,” said Sifuna in a text message from Dubai.
