Mbadi announces his bid for the 2032 presidency
By Mabonga Makhanu, May 3, 2026National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has declared his interest in the 2032 presidential contest.
While speaking in Kayole on Saturday, May 2, 2026, the CS stated that after President William Ruto finishes his term in 2032, he will throw himself into the presidential race meant to succeed Ruto, who will have completed his 10-year tenure as head of state.
Mbadi stated that he has nothing to fear in pursuing the top seat, saying that while others may be hesitant, he is ready to take on the challenge when the time comes.
“Tukishapatia Ruto tutam, mimi kama John Mbadi sitaogopa. 2032 ikifika nitakuja kwa uwanja na nitaomba kura; mkikubaliana na mimi, pia nitaongoza nchi,” Mbadi declared
This comes after Mbadi declared that he will not participate in Homa Bay County politics, saying that since he is a cabinet secretary, he can only move up, and there is no way he can go back to county politics.
Nyanza politics
Months ago, John Mbadi vowed that the Nyanza region must produce the next president after William Ruto exits office.
While speaking during an interdenominational church service held in Kasipul Kabondo Constituency on Sunday, March 22, 2026, where President William Ruto was in attendance, the outspoken CS stated that they will ensure the region produces the right person with the right qualifications to take over the mantle from Ruto upon the completion of his term.
“When Ruto is exiting, this region must produce the next president of Kenya, and we will give you the right people with the right qualifications and right competence,” Mbadi made clear.
Ruto’s 2032 succession
The neighbouring Mulembe region is also positioning itself to take over leadership after Ruto’s retirement in 2032.
Leaders from the region, such as Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, have expressed interest in the top seat in 2032, urging the region to rally behind President Ruto in 2027 so that he can reciprocate support in 2032.
“Ndio maana naambia watu tujipange sasa. Mapema ndiyo best. Tuwe kwa chama ambacho kina footprint kubwa kitaifa, and that chama is UDA. Ukitafuta kiti kwa chama kikubwa kama UDA, mara moja unaingia Rift Valley na sehemu nyingine ambako UDA iko,” Mudavadi said.
Wetang’ula’s presidential ambitions
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, who is also eyeing the presidency in 2032, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the only path to power is by supporting Ruto in 2027.
In recent times, the president has conducted tours across the two regions, launching and unveiling development projects as part of efforts to solidify support in both regions.
Mbadi also used the opportunity to drum up support for President William Ruto’s second term, saying that what Ruto has done in five years, no past president has done.