Treasury and National Planning Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has made it unequivocally clear that he will not be vying for any political seat in the highly anticipated 2027 General Elections.

Speaking while accompanying President William Ruto on the second day of his Nyanza tour in Homa Bay County on Friday, May 30, 2025, Mbadi explained that this decision stems from the fact that he hails from the Nyanza region itself, an area not traditionally characterised by intense rivalry over elective seats during election periods.

According to him, he witnessed firsthand the near-disruptive consequences when he contested the Homa Bay gubernatorial seat alongside Governor Gladys Wanga in 2022—a race he ultimately lost—and he expressed his unwillingness to become embroiled in such political friction again.

“I wish his Excellency to hear this clearly—we have unity among our leaders and a single governor at the helm. In 2022, I vied for the governorship together with Wanga; however, I would like to declare unequivocally that I will not be contesting any seat in 2027,” he said.

Mbadi, speaking with evident enthusiasm over President William Ruto’s long-awaited visit to his home region, further commended the political pact forged between Ruto and Raila Odinga, asserting that it will enable them to maintain their position in government even after the 2027 polls.

He then appealed to both leaders, noting that since he has made no indication of interest in seeking elective office, they ought to prioritise offering him a state appointment should Ruto secure a second term in 2027.

“And so, once the 2027 elections are concluded, Baba and Mr President, I trust you will deliberate on where Mbadi best fits so that I may continue with my work in serving the nation,” he concluded.

Warning over Ruto support

Earlier on Thursday, May 28, 2025, during the first day of Ruto’s Nyanza tour, Mbadi issued a pointed warning to Homa Bay residents, stating that failure to stand with President William Ruto would risk portraying them as a people unappreciative of the development efforts the Head of State has already directed towards the region.

Speaking in Homa Bay, Mbadi made it unmistakably clear that the national government, under President Ruto’s leadership, had already committed significant funds to the county and that continued political support was both expected and necessary if that trajectory of development was to be sustained.

“I wish to conclude by stating that President Ruto has authorised the allocation of billions towards roads and infrastructure in Homa Bay County, and therefore, if we — the people of Homa Bay — do not stand with William Ruto, we risk being seen as those who are unappreciative of what he has done for this county. We shall be on the wrong side. Let the work continue — without pause and without distraction,” he said.

Mbadi, who claimed that the country under President Ruto’s leadership is making significant strides across multiple sectors, further vowed that at no point would he abandon the President to support any other political camp, stating that his loyalty to the Head of State remains unwavering.

He reflected candidly on his own political journey, remarking that he had never anticipated, nor even imagined, that he would one day become a Cabinet Secretary, and went on to express profound gratitude to President Ruto for appointing him to the role.

“I want to say that I myself will never ditch Ruto. I never knew or expected that I could become a CS, but he made me, and I am so grateful. We are certain that we shall work hand in hand, as you have said, to ensure that more financial resources continue flowing into Homa Bay,” Mbadi said, before shifting to a more candid and weighty tone as he delivered his final remarks.