Mbadi Declares Interest in Being President in 2032.
National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has openly declared his intention to run for the presidency in the 2032 General Election, ruling out any ambition for the 2027 polls.
Speaking at a public gathering on Sunday, February 9, 2026, Mbadi made it clear that he plans to support President William Ruto's administration through the completion of its second term. He positioned himself as a staunch defender of the ongoing ODM-Kenya Kwanza collaboration, vowing to lead efforts to ensure the Orange Democratic Movement backs Ruto in 2027, much like the late Raila Odinga would have done. In his words: “We will work with Ruto until 2027, and in 2032, some of us are willing to take over as president of this country. Let those who are saying they want 2027 come out, but I'm personally ready.”
Mbadi emphasized his personal readiness for the top job, stating, “I know some of us are not ready to take up the challenge, but I'm personally ready to vie for the presidency in 2032, but not 2027.” He framed this long-term vision as a continuation of Raila Odinga's political legacy, asserting that ODM remains committed to the current broad-based government arrangement and has no intention of shifting to the opposition led by figures such as Rigathi Gachagua or Kalonzo Musyoka. Amid internal party tensions, Mbadi renewed his call for the expulsion of ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, accusing him of disloyalty and promoting an external agenda. He dismissed Sifuna's influence, claiming the party had long updated its structures and that Sifuna no longer holds key documents or authority.
The declaration highlights deepening divisions within ODM between pro-government collaborators—like Mbadi, Oburu Odinga, and Junet Mohamed—and those opposing the partnership with Ruto, including Sifuna, Babu Owino, James Orengo, and Ruth Odinga. Mbadi's early positioning for 2032 signals an emerging succession debate in Nyanza politics and the broader national landscape, as he seeks to rally support for sustained cooperation with the ruling coalition while laying groundwork for his own future leadership bid. By distancing himself from immediate power struggles, Mbadi aims to strengthen his credentials as a loyal yet ambitious figure within the evolving political alliance.
