A political exchange between Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi and EALA MP Winnie Odinga has continued with the former now firmly defending his record in public service while calling for respect toward veteran leaders, including ODM leader Oburu Oginga.
Mbadi who was speaking Saturday in Homa Bay, dismissed criticism directed at him, insisting that his experience in party leadership and government service placed him in a position that could not be undermined by those he described as lacking comparable political standing.
Mbadi pointed to years of service in Parliament and opposition leadership roles, including his tenure in ODM leadership and as Minority Leader.
“I have been chairman of ODM for 10 years under Raila Odinga, Minority Leader for five years, and now I am serving as minister. These are not small achievements,” he said.
The CS warned against what he termed “juvenile politics” in public discourse.
“Show respect to Oburu Oginga. You have no capacity to advise me on how to be Finance Minister,” Mbadi said.
He further rejected claims that his role was open to political criticism from non-elected actors, maintaining that leadership must be grounded in electoral legitimacy.
“You cannot come from nowhere and start advising me. First seek an elective position, be elected, and then people will take you seriously as a leader,” he said.
He also insisted he remained confident in his political future, stating that he was capable of national leadership.
“I am ready to lead this country, even as president. Who says I cannot lead?” he added.
The remarks come after the EALA MP criticised the conduct of some government officials.
She singled out the National Treasury terming it a critical institution that must be insulated from political disputes.
“The National Treasury is not a political office. The National Treasury of the Republic of Kenya is not a personal office,” she said.
She added that the institution plays a central role in safeguarding the country’s economic stability.
“The national treasury is not a political office. The national treasury of the Republic of Kenya is not a personal office. The national treasury of the largest economy in East and Central Africa is not a platform for you to abuse us and talk to us wherever you want. That is where we carry our economy. Kazi ya hiyo ofisi ni kulinda thamani ya pesa ya wananchi,” she noted.
She was speaking Friday during the burial of Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka.
“The National Treasury is not a political office,” she said, adding that it must remain insulated from political disputes and protect the value of public resources.
