NAIROBI, Kenya- Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has sharply responded to criticism from EALA MP Winnie Odinga, deepening the growing political tensions within ODM over the party’s future and leadership direction.
Speaking during a development tour in Kisumu on Saturday, Mbadi dismissed EALA MP Winnie Odinga’s remarks about his conduct as Treasury CS, insisting she lacked the political experience to lecture him on leadership and governance.
“You can’t come from nowhere and start advising me. First seek an elective position, be elected, and then people will take you seriously as a leader,” Mbadi said.
The Treasury CS defended his political credentials, noting that he had served as ODM chairman under the late Raila Odinga for 10 years, Minority Leader for five years and currently as Cabinet Secretary.
Mbadi accused some critics within ODM of engaging in “juvenile politics” while warning against attempts to undermine senior leaders in the party.
The exchange follows remarks by Winnie Odinga during a funeral in Kisii on Friday, where she criticised government officials over rising fuel prices, growing debt and the struggling economy.
She also warned that the National Treasury should not be turned into a political platform.
“The National Treasury is not a political office… it is not a platform for you to abuse us and talk to us however you want,” Winnie said.
Mbadi also addressed criticism over his earlier comments that ODM does not belong to one family and that the party must prepare for a post-Raila era.
He maintained that invoking Raila’s name would not solve the party’s internal challenges.
“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,” Mbadi stated.
