Treasury CS Mbadi receives hero’s welcome in Suba as he is crowned an elder

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi was on Thursday given a hero’s welcome in Magunga in his Suba South Constituency that he represented for 15 years.

In a ceremony graced by his new boss President William Ruto, Mbadi, armed with a shield and spear, staged a ceremonial performance as he was installed a Suba elder.

"I have always wanted to be minister for Finance in my life, that is the plain truth. I started eyeing this position in the 2013 General Election," said Mbadi.

Mbadi's job is cut out for him, and it's a daunting one. He is stepping into office at a time when the government is struggling and surviving on a shoestring budget following the failed Finance Bill, 2024.

The challenge is compounded by hefty pending bills and debt management issues as the country faces imminent debt maturities.

"Someone said if the job is too easy give it to anybody, you don’t have to look for anybody. But If you’re looking for quality, it means the job is difficult hard. You have given me confidence na ukasema Mbadi nyorosha kazi sawa sawa," stated the new Treasury CS.

With the failed Finance Bill, 2024 considered an egg on the face of President Ruto, Nyanza leaders asked the Head of State to give Mbadi a listening ear and not to entirely rely on his economic advisors.

"Mbadi amesema vile atafanya kwa ushuru wa kodi na vile atafanya kuhusu bajeti. Rais usiwachie wengine waende mbele yake, let him (Mbadi) only report to you and a good job will be done," Siaya Governor James Orengo said.

"I will give you (Ruto) advice the way I find it correct. And you have guaranteed me that even if I tell you something that does not please you, you will respect it and you will listen," Mbadi added.

The Treasury CS hit the ground running and explained that some parts of the Nyanza region had been neglected and lagged behind in development, calling for affirmative action.

"Since 1963 there has been no tarmac in Suba. It was started in 2016 but stalled in 2021. Hii debt ya World Bank is not very expensive, it is a cheap one; Your Excellency wacha tufanye hio barabara," said Mbadi.

"Hiyo barabara nimekupea ruhusa, sasa wewe pesa ikiingia wewe unaongeza," said Ruto.

Mbadi, who has received significant backing from his home region and has been a close ally of Raila Odinga for years, now faces a pivotal role at the Treasury. His strategy could either make or break the country’s economic fabric.