Ruto Reveals Why He Plans to Include CS Mbadi in His Book

President William Ruto has praised Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, declaring that the former opposition leader will occupy a significant place in a book he intends to write in the future because of his role in steering Kenya’s economy under the broad-based government arrangement.

Speaking at State House, Nairobi on Wednesday, July 8 2026, after signing the Sovereign Wealth Fund Act into law, Ruto singled out Mbadi for what he described as extraordinary leadership at the National Treasury, saying the reforms being undertaken have positioned the country on a new development path.

The President also praised Parliament for passing key financial legislation through bipartisan cooperation after lengthy consultations.

Ruto linked the Treasury’s recent progress to the broad-based political arrangement that brought members of the opposition into government, saying cooperation had enabled the country to achieve reforms that had remained elusive for years.

“Today, John Mbadi is providing leadership that has never been witnessed. I can confirm to you, John, that when I write my book, you will have ample space on what you and I have discussed, and your team at the Treasury, of course, including all the other actors that have taken this to the future,” Ruto said.

Ruto Attributes Mbadi’s Contributions to Economic Reform

Mbadi, who has worked for many years as the Chairman of the Orange Democratic Movement and Suba South MP, has made a name for himself as one of the loudest voices on public finance, having once served as the Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee and the Minority Leader in the National Assembly.

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Since taking up the treasury portfolio, Mbadi has been credited by President Ruto for bringing stability to the Kenyan economy at a time when the country was struggling with high public debt, inflation, and fiscal consolidation.

Broad-Based Government and Singapore Vision

Ruto has repeatedly said his administration intends to transform Kenya into a globally competitive economy, often citing Singapore as an example of how disciplined governance, sound fiscal management, industrialisation, and strategic investment can rapidly improve living standards.

Mbadi has consistently maintained that prudent management of public finances is central to achieving that ambition.

The Treasury has outlined plans to broaden the tax base without overburdening compliant taxpayers, improve efficiency in public spending, strengthen state-owned enterprises, and attract both local and foreign investment to spur economic growth.

The ministry has further committed itself to creating a predictable business environment, supporting manufacturing, expanding infrastructure financing, and implementing reforms intended to make Kenya a regional economic hub capable of sustaining long-term growth.

According to the Treasury, maintaining macroeconomic stability remains essential for job creation and inclusive development.

“I also must commend the Leader of the Majority, who is here, and our members in Parliament, members of the Finance Committee, all the members. They’ve been, you know, I remember on, I think it was Wednesday last week, and I was out of the country. I had gone to attend the graduation of my daughter. And discussions in Parliament went up to midnight, consultations outside the official space in Parliament,” Ruto noted.

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President Applauds Parliament’s Bipartisan Support

Ruto said the eventual passage of the legislation reflected a rare spirit of cooperation between government and opposition lawmakers, noting that consultations continued late into the night before consensus was reached.

He acknowledged the role played by the Leader of Majority, the Finance Committee, chaired by Kimani Kuria, Treasury officials, and other parliamentary leaders in securing approval for the legislation.

“And finally, Parliament came together in a very bipartisan way and said we must move the country forward. I commend them. And thank you very much, Kimani, for your leadership, the Chair of our Finance Committee for his leadership, and all the other actors. I don’t take it for granted because I know what it means. We have tried to do this as a country for many years,” Ruto congratulated.

The president also praised Buru Odinga for supporting the broad-based political arrangement, saying cooperation between leaders had enabled the government to pursue reforms aimed at strengthening Kenya’s economy and institutions.

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