Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has sparked fresh debate within ODM after strongly responding to criticism over his recent remarks about the future of the party and the continued use of Raila Odinga’s name in political discussions.
Speaking after comments made by EALA MP Winnie Odinga during a funeral service, Mbadi urged leaders to focus on governance and avoid using Raila’s name to influence party politics.
Mbadi defended his earlier remarks about Kenya entering a “post-Raila era,” saying his comments were misunderstood.
He insisted that leaders must respect elders and current party leadership structures instead of relying on references to the former opposition leader.
“In the Luo culture and customs, there is no terminology of a father or an uncle, they are all our fathers. If you don’t have respect for a father, please respect the elderly,” Mbadi said.
“The only thing I said is that Raila has not been with us for six months. Roping his name is not going to help us. We must respect the leadership that is there,” he added.
The Treasury CS dismissed criticism directed at him and said he would not engage in what he described as petty politics. Mbadi also defended his experience in government and ODM leadership, arguing that he had earned his place through years of service.
“Yesterday, I saw other people trying to advise me on how to be a minister for Finance. You can’t. You have no capacity to advise me,” he said, citing his long political career within ODM and government.”
“I have been ODM chairman under Raila for 10 years, Minority Leader for 5 years, Assistant Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, and now minister for two years,” he added.
Mbadi further declared that he was prepared for any political challenge in the future, including a presidential contest.
“I am ready to lead this country as the president. If you want to come to the field to fight me politically, I am ready,” he said.
His remarks drew a sharp response from Winnie Odinga while she was speaking at the funeral of Mama Teresa Nyaboke, the mother of Richard Onyonka.
Winnie criticised government officials over the state of the economy, rising fuel prices and unemployment, accusing leaders of talking too much instead of solving problems affecting ordinary Kenyans.
“Jana niliona bei ya mafuta imepanda. Juzi niliskia deni ya Kenya imepita Ksh.10 trillion. The economy is in bad shape. Vijana hawana kazi. Mabiashara zimefungwa na nyinyi hamna focus. You need to talk less and work more,” she remarked.
Winnie further warned that the National Treasury office should not be used as a political platform.
“The National Treasury is not a political office, it’s not a personal office, it’s not a platform for you to abuse us and talk to us however you want. Kazi ya hiyo ofisi ni kulinda thamani ya pesa ya wananchi,” she added.
The debate also attracted comments from Ida Odinga, who defended the continued mention of Raila’s name in national politics.
She argued that his influence and legacy still remain strong in the country’s political space.Mbadi had earlier stated during an ODM meeting that the party should not be tied to one family or community.
He argued that ODM’s future should be guided by its current leaders and structures rather than inherited influence.
His remarks have now intensified political tensions within ODM as different leaders continue to debate the direction the party should take in the post-Raila political period.
Leave feedback about this