John Mbadi Urges Structured Dialogue Amid ODM Rift Over 2027 Presidential Support

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has called for a formal, structured dialogue within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as internal divisions intensify over whether the party should support President William Ruto in the 2027 elections.

Mbadi’s appeal comes in the wake of visible disagreements among senior party figures. Some leaders favor strategic engagement with the incumbent administration, while others insist on maintaining ODM’s traditional opposition stance. He warned that unmanaged divisions could weaken party cohesion ahead of the crucial electoral cycle.

“The stakes are considerable. ODM commands a significant support base across several counties and maintains substantial representation in both the National Assembly and the Senate,” Mbadi said, emphasizing that transparent internal consultation is essential to prevent factional gridlock and preserve institutional credibility.

The rift centers on ODM’s identity as a principal opposition party and the implications of aligning with the incumbent government. 

Shifting political alliances and bipartisan engagements since the 2022 elections have blurred traditional boundaries, fueling speculation about possible realignments in 2027.

Mbadi proposed a formal consultative framework involving the party’s National Executive Committee, parliamentary leadership, and grassroots representatives. 

By advocating a rules-based process, he aims to ensure that any eventual decision reflects collective consensus rather than isolated declarations by influential figures.

Political analysts note that failure to manage internal divisions risks eroding negotiating power, confusing supporters, and weakening grassroots mobilization structures critical during campaign cycles. 

Mbadi’s intervention is seen as a bid to transform internal tension into structured deliberation, prioritizing unity, procedural order, and inclusive consultation.

Whether this approach will produce a breakthrough consensus or expose deeper ideological divides remains to be seen. 

However, it is clear that Mbadi is steering ODM toward a more disciplined, strategic approach as the party navigates its 2027 trajectory and Kenya’s broader opposition landscape.