NAIROBI, Kenya — Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has called for introspection within Parliament amid renewed claims of extortion in legislative committees, saying the issue is not new and requires institutional self-reflection.
“This accusation of extortion is not new. Parliament needs to do some self-reflection,” Mbadi said.
Drawing from personal experience, the former Suba South MP recounted what he described as an attempt by a former Secretary General to embarrass him during a parliamentary committee session.
“I remember a time when my immediate former Secretary General almost tried to embarrass me in a parliamentary committee for nothing. I was asked to explain, and he started shouting,” Mbadi stated.
While he did not provide further details about the incident, his remarks point to tensions that sometimes characterize oversight engagements between Parliament and public officials.
Mbadi also weighed in on leadership debates within ODM, dismissing speculation about who should succeed in key positions within the party.
CS John Mbadi: I don’t know how long Oburu will lead the party, ni Mungu anajua. There are people who think that because he is too old, he will lead it for a short time. Who is going to die when is God’s prerogative. Oburu will lead this party during which time another younger
On Winnie Odinga, the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP, Mbadi cautioned against forcing leadership succession narratives.
“Does she want to take over ODM? Leadership is not something that you force on someone. Winnie is a young, strong-willed girl, and right now she is an MP (EALA). She can build herself depending on how she plays her politics and get back to the local scene. Later on, she can be somebody big,” he said.
He further commented on speculation surrounding Oburu Odinga’s tenure at the helm of the party.
“I don’t know how long Oburu will lead the party, ni Mungu anajua. Who is going to die when is God’s prerogative,” Mbadi said, dismissing concerns about age.
He noted that political transitions take time, citing Raila’s own journey after the death of his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
“Even Raila did not take over immediately after the death of his father; it took him about two years,” Mbadi said.
The Treasury CS maintained that while ODM is navigating a period of adjustment following Raila’s death, it remains resilient.
“ODM remains the strongest party in this country,” he said.
