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Alai dares Mbadi to resign as ODM chair as wrangles in Raila’s party boil over


Member of County Assembly for Kileleshwa Ward Robert Alai has challenged nominated MP John Mbadi make good his threat to step down as ODM chair.

The MCA has also accused Mr Mbadi of issuing threats to get the attention of party leader Mr Raila Odinga. He further claimed that the MP used the same tricks to be appointed as Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairperson.

“I am told that John Mbadi has been threatening to resign as ODM Chairman to get Baba Raila Odinga to give him what he wants. That’s how he got PAC. Why can’t Mbadi just resign from ODM ASAP? We have someone else to take up the chairmanship,” Mr Alai said.

Mbadi has been chairperson of ODM for the last nine years but has lately been antagonised by a section of ODM and Azimio MPs for snubbing Azimio rallies.

Also read: Governor Nyong’o raises eyebrows with stance on ODM MPs visit to State House

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday at Parliament Buildings, Mbadi said that he has done enough as the ODM chairperson and will not regret losing the lucrative position.

“It is not that I have to be the chair throughout. Nine years I have been the chair is just enough. If elections are done and someone takes it there is no problem. If any ODM members feel that they need another chairperson, I have no problem with that,” Mr Mbadi said on Tuesday.

“Those who think being chairman is so important to them let them offer themselves to lead. I am very ready to leave the position to them, right now I am the chair but I am not dying to be the chair. I have done my bit they took away my position as the minority leader,” he said.

His remarks were promptly responded to by Embakasi East Babu Owino who said he is ready to take over from the nominated as ODM’s chairman.

Also read: Jalango defends visit with Ruto: Prioritizes progress over political drama

“We wish you well Hon. John Mbadi as you step down from ODM Party Chairmanship. It is now my time to take over from where you have left and steer the party to greater heights and prosperity. Youth Power,” Mr Owino wrote on his official Facebook page.

Alai’s remarks is the latest twist to the sharp divisions that have emerged within ODM after a section of party lawmakers visited President William Ruto at State House on Tuesday morning.

The political leaders who met the president and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua at State House were led by Kisumu Senator Prof Tom Ojienda. The delegation comprised MPs Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Caroli Omondi (Suba-South), Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Shakeel Shabir (Kisumu East), Paul Abuor (Rongo), Mark Nyamita (Uriri), Walter Owino (Awendo) and Felix Odiwuor alias Jalang’o (Langata).

Also read:

Governor Nyong’o lectures ODM ‘rebels’ who met President Ruto

Raila sends strong message to ODM ‘rebels’ who met President Ruto

Alai defends ODM politicians who met President Ruto