In a bold and candid statement, National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has vowed unwavering loyalty to President William Ruto, citing the trust and confidence placed in him to manage Kenya’s financial future. Speaking at Ndhiwa Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) grounds in Homa Bay County during a stakeholders meeting, Mbadi expressed gratitude for his appointment to one of the country’s most pivotal dockets and pledged to deliver transformative results.
Mbadi’s appointment as Treasury CS earlier this year sparked both excitement and skepticism, given his political background as a long-time ally of Raila Odinga. However, Mbadi has dismissed any notions of disloyalty to Ruto, stating that the President’s decision to entrust him with the Ministry of Finance was a vote of confidence he could never betray.
“The President can give you any ministry but not the Ministry of Finance. The kind of confidence and the risk that he (Ruto) took to appoint me makes it very difficult for me to betray him,” Mbadi remarked.
The Treasury docket is arguably the most sensitive ministry in the government, responsible for steering the country’s economic policies and addressing its financial challenges. Mbadi acknowledged the weight of the responsibility and pledged to approach it with integrity and commitment.
In his address, Mbadi emphasized his dedication to addressing Kenya’s pressing financial challenges rather than engaging in political debates. He reiterated his focus on stabilizing the economy, managing the national debt, and ensuring prudent utilization of public resources.
“The country is facing economic hurdles that require innovative and practical solutions. My focus is on delivering results and making decisions that will positively impact the lives of Kenyans. Politics is secondary,” Mbadi said.
Resolving Financial Challenges
Mbadi outlined several key areas of focus for the Treasury, including:
- Debt Management: With Kenya’s debt levels under scrutiny, Mbadi stressed the importance of developing sustainable solutions to reduce reliance on borrowing while ensuring critical development projects remain funded.
- Revenue Generation: He called for innovative ways to expand the tax base without overburdening citizens and pledged support for reforms that would enhance efficiency in revenue collection.
- Public Expenditure: Mbadi emphasized the need to cut wastage in government spending and ensure that every shilling is accounted for.
The Treasury CS also highlighted the importance of working closely with counties to ensure equitable distribution of resources.
Winning Over Homa Bay
Mbadi’s remarks came during a stakeholders meeting focused on development matters in Homa Bay County, his home region. He assured residents that he would use his position to champion the county’s development, including boosting healthcare, infrastructure, and education.
“There is no greater honor than serving the people who raised you. I am committed to working with local leaders to ensure Homa Bay receives its fair share of resources,” Mbadi told the crowd.
Balancing Loyalty and Legacy
While Mbadi’s appointment by Ruto is seen as a move to bridge political divides and foster inclusivity, it also places him in a delicate position. Critics argue that his past ties with Raila Odinga’s Azimio la Umoja coalition could create conflicts of interest, but Mbadi remains adamant that his loyalty lies with the President and the Kenyan people.
“This is not about politics or alliances; it’s about service. My allegiance is to the President and the nation,” he affirmed.
Public Reactions
Mbadi’s statements have sparked mixed reactions across the political divide. Supporters praised his resolve to focus on governance and development, while skeptics questioned whether he could maintain neutrality given his political history.
“This is the kind of leadership we need—focused on solutions, not endless political bickering,” said a local resident at the event.
However, some critics expressed skepticism about Mbadi’s ability to navigate the complex dynamics of Treasury while remaining true to his pledge of loyalty to Ruto.
As the country grapples with economic challenges, all eyes are on John Mbadi to see if he can deliver on his promises. His tenure at the Treasury will not only define his legacy but also serve as a litmus test for President Ruto’s strategy of appointing leaders across the political spectrum.
In the face of mounting expectations, Mbadi remains steadfast in his mission. “The President’s faith in me is not misplaced. I will not let him, or Kenyans, down,” he declared.
For now, Mbadi’s words echo a promise of stability, loyalty, and hope. Only time will tell if he can transform those promises into lasting change for Kenya’s economy.
