CS John Mbadi hints at running for presidency
National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has ignited fresh political buzz by appearing to position himself as a potential frontrunner for the presidency in 2032 under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
In recent public statements and social media activity, Mbadi has repeatedly emphasized that Kenya's major political transition will occur in 2032 — after President William Ruto completes his second and final term — rather than in the upcoming 2027 elections. He has argued that the 2027 presidential outcome is "already decided," urging ODM to shift focus to long-term planning, building alliances, and avoiding internal divisions that could weaken the party.
During a recent appearance, Mbadi declared that Cabinet Secretaries like himself are political appointees who "act politically" and will exit office politically, reinforcing perceptions that he remains deeply engaged in partisan ambitions despite his technocratic role. His comments come amid ongoing debates within ODM about its strategy in the broad-based government arrangement forged under the late Raila Odinga.
Mbadi, a former ODM Chairperson and Suba South MP, has been a key figure in the Ruto-ODM cooperation. He has consistently defended the implementation of the ten-point agenda from the March 2025 MoU between President Ruto and the late Raila Odinga. At the same time, he has cautioned party members against actions that could polarize ODM or reduce its bargaining power ahead of 2027, warning that uncertainty over supporting Ruto's re-election risks fracturing the coalition.
While Mbadi has ruled out contesting any elective seat — including the Homa Bay gubernatorial race — in 2027, his focus on national roles and repeated references to 2032 have fueled interpretations that he is laying groundwork for a future bid. Supporters view him as one of the few ODM leaders with the experience, maturity, and cross-regional appeal needed to lead the party post-Raila era.
The remarks have drawn mixed reactions. Some ODM insiders and allies see them as pragmatic realism, given Raila's absence and the challenges of mounting a competitive presidential run in 2027. Others, including critics, accuse figures like Mbadi of prematurely eyeing succession while the party navigates its current government partnership.
ODM has yet to officially clarify its post-2027 leadership or presidential strategy, but Mbadi's comments underscore a growing narrative within the party: that 2032 represents the realistic window for ODM to reclaim national power after years of opposition and coalition politics.
As Kenya's political temperature rises ahead of the 2027 polls, Mbadi's positioning adds another layer to the succession debate in one of the country's most influential parties. Whether this evolves into a formal declaration remains to be seen, but the Treasury CS has clearly placed himself at the center of conversations about ODM's long-game ambitions.
