HOMA BAY, Kenya — National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has renewed his bid for the presidency, declaring that he will succeed President William Ruto and become Kenya’s sixth President.
Mbadi said his ambition is informed by his close working relationship with Ruto and his understanding of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s economic policies and development agenda.
Speaking on Sunday, August 23, 2026, during a fellowship and fundraiser at Tonga Parish in Suba South, Homa Bay County, Mbadi said he was best positioned to continue Ruto’s economic agenda after the President completes his tenure.
“I am going to be the sixth president of Kenya after President Ruto because I know where Ruto is taking Kenya. We have worked with him very closely. I know the policies. I know the vision he has for this country,” Mbadi said.
The Treasury CS argued that his involvement in implementing economic reforms under Ruto had given him an advantage over other potential contenders for the 2032 presidency.
“We have worked with him to reform the economy of this country. Once he is done with this term as the President, I am the right person to continue with that legacy, even better it and do even much more,” he said.
Mbadi renews 2032 presidential ambition
Mbadi’s latest declaration reinforces his earlier announcement that he intends to contest the 2032 presidential election.
In May, the Treasury CS said he would enter the presidential race after Ruto completes his second term.
“Tukishapatia Ruto term, mimi kama John Mbadi sitaogopa. 2032 ikifika nitakuja kwa uwanja na nitaomba kura; mkikubaliana na mimi, pia nitaongoza nchi,” he said in Kayole.
His latest remarks represent a more direct articulation of his presidential ambition, with Mbadi now publicly presenting himself as a potential successor to Ruto.
The CS has also previously linked his political ambitions to calls for the Nyanza region to produce Ruto’s successor.
In March, Mbadi said Nyanza should produce the country’s next President when Ruto leaves office, although he did not identify himself as the potential candidate at the time.
