MP John Mbadi declares, "I am ready to step down as ODM Chair."

 

ODM chairman John Mbadi

John Mbadi, the chairman of the ODM Party, has just declared his readiness to step down as party boss.

Mbadi, who has recently been at odds with certain delegates since the completion of the most recent general election, claims that for the last nine years as the ODM chair, he has done his share.

A number of party members have accused the nominated MP of undermining the party leader by failing to show up at demonstrations conducted by the Azimio coalition in Nairobi City.

"Those who believe that being chairman is so essential to them should volunteer to lead; I am quite willing to give up my position." Right now, I am the chair, but I am not longing to be the chair; they snatched my role as the minority leader piece by piece.

"They may remove the chairmanship, but I will still be living because I am still alive." "I want to reaffirm that I wish to step down as ODM chair, just for the record," Mbadi said.

The only obstacle, according to Mbadi, is the absence of a vice chairperson to transfer the chairmanship to, since his party's leader, Raila Odinga, is well aware of his stance on the matter.

"I don't quit my job until we have a strong transition in place; I want to be replaced, but I also want to serve the party from wherever capacity is needed." Some people assume I'm yearning to be a chair, but that couldn't be farther from the truth. I've already done my part, he said.

Mbadi said he had other ways to address problems that concern the party but stopped short of saying he wouldn't attend the rallies.

"Since when did they realize how vital it is for me to attend rallies when the same folks formerly opposed my going to rallies?" To discuss party-related topics, I have other places to go. Mbadi said, "I am better off even in parliament, addressing concerns of the party."

Mbadi, the party's chair for the last nine years, says it's time for new leadership and adds that he would back the chosen candidate.

He claims, however, that he is still a devoted supporter of Raila Odinga and that he is unable to talk against what Raila represents.

"Since I am the party's chairman, I am unable to disagree with the head of the party." To do so, he will have to resign; otherwise, there will be no party and everything will be in disarray, he added.