Mbadi Signals Interest in 2032 Presidential Race, Rules Out 2027 Bid
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has openly declared that he is considering running for the presidency in the 2032 General Elections, while making it clear that he has no intention of contesting in the 2027 polls.
Speaking during a public meeting held on Sunday, February 9, Mbadi dismissed ongoing speculation suggesting that he could enter the 2027 presidential race, stating that his current focus remains on supporting President William Ruto’s administration until the end of its term.
Mbadi explained that his decision is guided by what he described as a commitment to political stability and cooperation within the current broad-based government arrangement.
He noted that he is ready to work alongside President Ruto until 2032, adding that leadership ambitions for the future should not interfere with the government’s present responsibilities.
According to the CS, discussions about the 2027 election should not distract leaders from delivering on development and governance priorities.
During his remarks, Mbadi also took issue with some leaders within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) who have opposed the party’s cooperation with President Ruto’s government.
He argued that the party’s current direction aligns with what the late ODM leader Raila Odinga would have supported, insisting that ODM leaders should remain united behind the decision to collaborate with the government.
Mbadi stated that he would personally play an active role in ensuring the party backs President Ruto in the 2027 elections.
“We will work with Ruto until 2027, and in 2032, some of us are willing to take over as president of this country. Let those who are saying they want 2027 come out, but I’m personally ready,”
Mbadi said. He further clarified that while some leaders may not feel prepared to pursue the presidency in the future, he believes he is ready to take on the challenge when the time comes, stressing again that his ambitions are focused on 2032 and not the next election cycle.
At the same time, Mbadi intensified internal party criticism by calling for the removal of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna from his position as ODM Secretary General. He argued that Sifuna’s continued stay in the role was weakening the party’s unity and political direction.
According to Mbadi, the party leadership should consider forming a disciplinary committee to address members whose actions or statements appear to conflict with the party’s current political stance.
Mbadi accused Sifuna and like-minded leaders of promoting positions that contradict ODM’s cooperation with the government, claiming that such divisions risk undermining the party’s strength ahead of future elections.
He dismissed claims that the Secretary General holds critical party documents, stating that ODM had already restructured its internal systems and established trustees who manage important party matters.
“A person like Sifuna is not going to remain in ODM because he is already conflicted since he is selling the agenda of someone else; allow him to go,” Mbadi said.
He added that internal party systems had changed long ago and insisted that no individual holds control over key party documents, including the registration certificate.
The ongoing disagreement highlights growing divisions within ODM, where some leaders continue to oppose collaboration with President Ruto’s administration.
Among those who have publicly questioned the partnership are Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, who have expressed concerns about the political direction the party is taking.
On the other hand, the cooperation with the government has received strong backing from influential figures within the party, including Oburu Odinga and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, who have defended the broad-based arrangement as necessary for political inclusivity and national unity.
Mbadi also moved to clarify the party’s political position going forward, firmly stating that ODM has no intention of joining the opposition alliance currently associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and other opposition figures.
He maintained that the party remains committed to its current political path and will continue working within the existing government framework as the country moves closer to the next election cycle.
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