Treasury CS John Mbadi speaking in Homa Bay on September 17, 2026 / PCSTreasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi says he was told by the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to support President William Ruto in delivering his development agenda.
Speaking in Homa Bay on Thursday during Ruto’s tour, Mbadi said he had worked with Raila since 1992 and could read his body language and understand his position.
Mbadi said Raila was clear about his expectations when he brought ODM into the broad-based government.
“When Raila brought us to the broad-based government, his words to me were very clear. He told me that I must make sure that I support President Ruto to deliver on his agenda,” Mbadi said.
He said Raila also facilitated discussions on Kenya’s debt situation, sending him to Washington to meet Professor Hino, a former consultant in Raila’s office when he was Prime Minister.
Mbadi said Raila also advised Ruto to ensure his administration delivered on key programmes, including the housing project and healthcare.
The CS claimed that Raila viewed Ruto as partly part of the ODM government after he became President.
He said plans had also been made for ODM and Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance to work together in the 2027 General Election.
“Therefore, I know for a fact if there is any one person who wanted President Ruto to succeed, it is one Raila Amolo Odinga. You are not aware. You have no idea that we had planned that in 2027; we were going together as a team, UDA and ODM...,” Mbadi said.
“We will continue. 2027 and beyond 2027, we will work together. William Ruto and Kenya will continue.”
The broad-based government arrangement has altered political alliances in the Nyanza region, with a section of ODM leaders backing Ruto's development agenda and supporting his possible re-election.
Ruto has increasingly linked the broad-based arrangement to national unity, arguing that political cooperation across traditional party and regional divides can help the country focus on development.
During his Kisumu leg on Monday, he said the 2027 election would provide an opportunity for Kenyans to reject what he described as marginalisation, tribalism and hatred.
“We are going to unite all the communities of Kenya; we will bring unity to all parts of Kenya, and we will do away with discrimination forever,” he said.
He also urged residents to support his administration's development agenda, citing roads, electricity, water and education.
