Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has declared that the ODM is firmly rooted in the broad-based government under President William Ruto, saying there is no turning back.

Speaking via his X account on Friday, August 15, 2025, Mbadi said his decision was not influenced by his current role as Treasury CS, but by the President’s embrace of inclusivity and efforts to build relations with all communities in Kenya.

“Tulikuwa tunatarajia tutapata kiti ya State House, Raila alikuwa na ufunguo ya State House tutakesa hii kitu tutachukua, wacha ifike 2022, nilishangaa nikikuletea ufunguo huko Kasarani,” Mbadi recalled.

“Now you have the key in your hands, what I am saying in a nutshell, President William Ruto has shown us a different kind of friendship than his predecessors did. Hatutoki! We are in a Broad-based Government to stay. I’m not saying because I’m the CS for finance in this country. I am saying so because I have seen how you relate with all the communities in Kenya. In fact,” Mbadi added

Mbadi’s comments come at a time when the Broad-based Government arrangement, a political cooperation deal between Ruto’s administration and opposition leaders, continues to draw both praise and criticism.

Supporters argue that the move has fostered a more inclusive political environment, ensuring opposition voices have a place in decision-making. Critics, however, contend that it has blurred the lines between government and opposition, undermining oversight and accountability.

By openly praising President Ruto’s style of leadership, Mbadi signalled a deepening political alignment between key Azimio figures and the Kenya Kwanza administration. His remarks also appeared to counter those in the opposition still sceptical of the Broad-based Government’s intentions.

Such declarations could further reshape Kenya’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general election, as alliances become less defined by party lines and more by personal relationships and perceived inclusivity in governance.

For Mbadi, the partnership is about more than politics. His emphasis on President Ruto’s “different kind of friendship” points to a leadership style he believes can unite Kenyans across ethnic and political divides, a message that resonates strongly in a country often polarised by elections.

“Hatutoki,” he stressed, a phrase that leaves no doubt about his commitment to the Broad-based Government arrangement.