In a significant move announced during his State of the Nation address, President William Ruto has nominated John Mbadi, the ODM chairman and former MP, as the new Cabinet Secretary for the Treasury.
Mbadi, a longtime ally of Opposition leader Raila Odinga, has been a prominent figure in Kenyan politics.
He gained attention in 2022 when he withdrew from the Homa Bay gubernatorial race to focus on supporting Raila Odinga’s presidential bid.
Mbadi, who previously represented Suba South Constituency and served as the Leader of the Minority Party, had initially joined Parliament in 2007 as the MP for Gwassi Constituency.
He also held the role of Assistant Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister from 2012 to 2013 and was involved in investigating the National Youth Service scandal.
Known for his critical stance, Mbadi was vocal about rejecting many of President Ruto’s initial Cabinet nominees in 2022, describing most as “incompetent” and “unqualified.”
