Treasury CS John Mbadi addressing the media in Kisumu on September 16, 2026./FAITH MATETE
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has challenged politicians seeking the presidency in 2027 to move beyond slogans and spell out how they would tackle Kenya’s economic and social challenges.
Mbadi said voters and the media should subject presidential hopefuls to tougher scrutiny, particularly on how they intend to finance their programmes and manage the economy.
“If I want to be president, ask me what I will do differently,” Mbadi said.
He challenged journalists to press presidential aspirants to explain how they would fund their promises and deal with issues facing the country.
Mbadi cited public debt as one area requiring detailed debate, questioning proposals that Kenya should refuse to repay debts that politicians consider questionable.
He said such proposals should be accompanied by clear explanations of what they would mean for investors, financial institutions and holders of government securities.
“If someone is going to wake up to tell you that the bond that you bought, that you are not going to be paid your coupon because the records are not properly kept at the Treasury, what is that person telling you?” he asked.
Mbadi also challenged politicians opposed to the government’s Affordable Housing Programme to explain what alternative they would offer to address the country’s housing shortage.
“If someone is saying the housing problem is bad, what options, what alternatives do they have in terms of housing for this country?” he said.
He similarly questioned critics of the Social Health Authority over what alternative they would propose to improve access to healthcare.
Mbadi said political debate should centre on competing policy proposals rather than simply rejecting government programmes.
On employment, he said presidential hopefuls should provide concrete plans for creating jobs and explain how their proposals would be financed.
He said the 2027 contest should give voters an opportunity to scrutinise candidates’ economic policies, debt plans, employment strategies and proposals for sectors such as health, housing, agriculture and education.
“Presidential candidates appear before you and you don't ask tough questions,” he said, urging journalists to interrogate political leaders on what they would actually do if elected.
Mbadi also weighed in on political developments in Nyanza, saying the region had increasingly embraced President William Ruto’s administration.
He dismissed the significance of political merchandise worn by crowds during Ruto’s tour of the region, saying caps and T-shirts associated with different parties did not necessarily represent the political position of those wearing them.
Mbadi said he had seen ODM merchandise at several events and argued that the presence of different party colours should not automatically be interpreted as opposition to Ruto.
“Let us accept it, that Nyanza is behind Ruto. That's the bottom line,” he said.
His remarks came amid ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election, as Ruto’s administration seeks to strengthen its political partnership with leaders in Nyanza.
