Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has said that the silent majority in towns and villages will ultimately determine Kenya’s political direction, dismissing what he described as a vocal minority dominating media talk shows and street protests.

In a post on his X account on Friday, February 20, 2026, Mbadi suggested that while opposition voices may be loud, electoral power remains with voters in rural areas.

“Minority will have their say, yap in the streets while jumping from media talk show to another. But the silent majority both in towns & deep in the villages will have their way,” Mbadi stated.

Grassroots message

The Treasury CS shared his experience during an evening engagement in Ndhiwa, Homa Bay County, emphasising that the political conversation at the grassroots level differs from urban rhetoric.

“Brothers, Ndhiwa was the place this evening. Here in the rural areas the talk is about Tutam,” he said.

Tutam rhetoric debate

Mbadi’s remarks came against the backdrop of growing political debate around the “tutam” and “wantam” slogans that have gained traction in recent weeks.

Earlier on Friday, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Odinga distanced the party from both narratives, saying ODM is focused on strengthening its internal structures ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking at the Siaya County Assembly ahead of the Linda Ground forum scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026, which will also serve as his homecoming ceremony following his appointment as party leader, Oburu said the party’s priority is consolidation rather than slogans.

He noted that ODM’s focus is to enhance its bargaining power ahead of proposed talks with the United Democratic Alliance, an initiative that he said originated from the party’s Central Management Committee.

According to Oburu, the commencement of structured engagements with UDA does not amount to an endorsement of the tutam narrative.

“We are not on the side of Wantam nor Tutam; we are on the side of strengthening the party so that the ODM party goes to the negotiating table with strong numbers,” he stated.