Ruth Odinga tells John Mbadi to focus on national crisis, not her
By Mabonga Makhanu, May 18, 2026Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has launched a sharp attack on Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, accusing him of focusing on the wrong issues at a time when the country is facing a serious national crisis.
In a strongly worded statement shared on her social media pages on Monday, May 18, 2026, the outspoken ODM politician told Mbadi to shift his attention from political battles involving her and instead concentrate on addressing the challenges currently facing Kenyans.
Ruth Odinga, who has recently been at loggerheads with the Finance CS, appeared angered by Mbadi’s continued criticism and political remarks directed at her despite the difficult situation in the country.
In her statement, the veteran politician did not hold back as she publicly called out the Treasury boss.
“there is national crisis and the country is at a standstill!! i should be the least of mbadi’s problems! address the crisis!!”
This comes at a time when there is a feud within the ODM party between Ruth Odinga and Treasury CS John Mbadi, with a public spat emerging between the two leaders.
The disagreement began after a statement from Ruth Odinga, which followed remarks made by John Mbadi while at the Coast. During the forum, he attacked Ruth, accusing her of trying to be authoritative and disrespecting Oburu Odinga.
Ruth Odinga’s rebuttal
This sparked a series of rebuttals from Ruth Odinga.
Ruth said she was the only member of the Odinga family present at the retreat, noting that her brother and ODM party leader Oburu Oginga did not attend the meeting. She described Mbadi’s remarks as directed at the Odinga family and the legacy associated with the party’s formation and growth.
Mbadi Oginga family standoff
This also comes amid a push and pull between Mbadi and the family of the late Raila Odinga. Mbadi’s recent remarks have intensified the tensions. East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Winnie Odinga also slammed the Treasury boss, telling him that his office is not a political office and should focus on delivering services to Kenyans.
Mbadi, in his tough rebuttal, said that he cannot be advised by someone who has never been elected.
Raila Junior, son of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has also joined the ongoing standoff, clapping back at Mbadi and urging him to respect the late Raila and his family.