Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has ruled out contesting for any elective seat in 2027, saying his immediate political plan is to remain in Cabinet until after the next general election.

Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, Mbadi said he is not preparing to return to elective politics but is instead hoping President William Ruto will retain him in government if he wins a second term.

“I am intending to remain a Waziri until after August 2027. I am not going to run for any elective position. I am hoping the President, after winning the election, will give me an appointment,” Mbadi said.

No elective bid

His remarks put to rest speculation over whether he could seek an elective seat in 2027, especially given his long political career before joining the Cabinet.

Politically, Mbadi is placing his future directly inside President Ruto’s re-election project. By saying he hopes for a fresh appointment after the election, he is also signalling confidence that Ruto will seek and win a second term.

That position is likely to attract attention because Mbadi, a former opposition figure, now sits at the heart of a government whose taxation policies have faced sharp public criticism.

PAYE relief

Mbadi also said the government is moving towards reducing the Pay As You Earn tax, insisting that the proposal came from within the government.

“The suggestion about PAYE came from the government. That is one of the assignments I am going to start on immediately, on the discussion on how to reduce taxes on PAYE.

“We are going to give tax relief; take it to the bank. The president has spoken about it. John Mbadi has spoken about it. It is not that we are enjoying Kenyans; we are going to make sure it is actualised,” he said.

The statement is politically important because PAYE affects salaried Kenyans directly.

“Any actual reduction would give the government a campaign talking point at a time when many households are struggling with high living costs and heavy deductions.

State House defence

Mbadi further defended spending on State House and State Lodges, saying the facilities had deteriorated badly.

“If you saw the state of the State House, you would see that it had been left to rot to a point where it was leaking, yet that is the seat of power that hosts international dignitaries,” he said.

His defence, however, lands in a difficult political environment. Many Kenyans are demanding tax relief, better services and lower public wastage.