Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has issued a strong warning to a section of ODM politicians who are pushing for fresh protests, saying such actions risk pulling the party backwards at a time when unity and strategy are most needed.
Speaking during a Wednesday morning interview on Ramogi TV, Mbadi said renewed calls for demonstrations could reopen painful political wounds from past struggles for justice.
He reminded ODM members that the party was founded to inspire hope among its supporters, not to plunge them into unnecessary confrontations.
Mbadi urged party leaders and supporters to reflect deeply on the real goals they want to achieve. According to him, street protests should not be viewed as the only solution to political disagreements. Instead, he encouraged dialogue, understanding, and constructive engagement.
“I want to caution ODM members that protests alone cannot solve our issues. When leaders sit together and talk honestly, most problems are resolved quickly,” he said.
He added that political parties survive because they give people hope, stressing that ODM must keep that purpose alive.
While acknowledging that Kenyans have historically protested when their concerns were ignored, Mbadi insisted that demonstrations should not be the default response to every challenge facing the nation.
He pointed out that diplomatic approaches and national conversations—like those famously championed by the late Raila Odinga—remain the most effective ways of solving deep political issues.
Mbadi also expressed concern about a section of politicians, mostly from the Nyanza region, who are openly encouraging mass action instead of employing strategic political thinking.
He made it clear that effective politics requires planning, patience, and long-term thinking rather than emotional reactions.
“In politics, you must think like a strategist. ODM enjoys strong support across the country. But if you observe closely, those pushing people to protest are mainly from our own community,” he noted.
His comments come at a time when there is growing speculation about internal disagreements within ODM, especially regarding the party’s decision to cooperate with President William Ruto’s administration.
The debate intensified after Embakasi East MP Babu Owino threatened last weekend to organise countrywide protests over the rising cost of living.
Speaking during ODM’s 20th Anniversary celebrations on November 15, Babu Owino warned that the increasing cost of education and basic commodities was putting overwhelming pressure on Kenyans.
During the same event, Siaya Governor James Orengo also criticised President Ruto’s government, arguing that poor governance might soon push citizens back to the streets.
Orengo maintained that ODM must stay strong and defend the freedoms Raila Odinga fought for, even if it means returning to demonstrations.
“If ODM stands firm on the ideals that Raila believed in—a free and fair country—then we must be ready to defend those ideals everywhere. If you are afraid, don’t spread fear among us. I am ready to go back to the streets,” Orengo declared.
This growing debate reflects mounting tension within the party as leaders weigh the balance between cooperation, strategy, and activism in an increasingly demanding political environment.
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