"Usiniadvise!” Cs Mbadi Hits Back at Winnie Odinga

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has hit back at East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Winnie Odinga, escalating a public disagreement over remarks on leadership and the role of the National Treasury.

The dispute emerged after Winnie Odinga spoke during the burial ceremony of Mama Teresa Nyaboke Omoke. She questioned how leaders at the Treasury communicate and interact with the public. She also urged officials to uphold accountability and respect in public service.

In response, Mbadi rejected her remarks and challenged her authority to advise him on governance matters.

“Yesterday I saw some people (Winnie Odinga) trying to advise me on how to be a Finance Minister. You can’t! You have no capacity. First, seek an elective position and be elected,” he said.

He then defended his political background and experience. Mbadi pointed to his long service within the Orange Democratic Movement. He also referenced his roles under party leader Raila Odinga. He stressed that his record qualifies him to hold senior public office.

“I am not going to tolerate juvenile, petty politics. I am not ready for that. I will not succumb to that,” Mbadi added.

He maintained that he will focus on his duties at the Treasury despite the criticism.

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Winnie Odinga Calls for Accountability in Treasury

However, Winnie Odinga maintained that her remarks focused on institutional conduct. She said public offices must remain professional and serve citizens fairly.

“The National Treasury is not a political office or personal office. It is not a platform for you to abuse us and talk to us wherever you want,” she said.

She further urged leaders to change how they engage with the public. She emphasized listening and responsiveness as key parts of public service.

“As public servants, we need to take a little step in how we treat each other, how we talk to people… we need to pay more attention to the people on the ground,” she added.

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Role of the National Treasury

The National Treasury of Kenya oversees Kenya’s fiscal policy and public financial management. It prepares the national budget and guides economic planning. It also manages government expenditure and revenue systems.

The institution often attracts political attention due to its influence on the economy. As a result, its leadership regularly faces public scrutiny, especially on issues affecting citizens’ daily lives such as taxation and government spending.

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