Why John Mbadi is Desperate to Become a CS in Ruto’s Shaky Government

Here, we delve into why John Mbadi is desperate to secure a CS position in a government that many consider unstable.

John Mbadi Supporting the Ruto-Raila Alliance

Mbadi has thrown his weight behind the unexpected friendship between Ruto and Raila. He believes this alliance is his best chance to finally become a CS, a position he has coveted for years.

This support has put him at odds with several top ODM leaders, who view the alliance with suspicion.

Clashing with ODM Leaders

Siaya Governor James Orengo has been one of the most vocal opponents of ODM and Raila Odinga joining Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza (KK) administration.

Orengo and other critics argue that this move is a blatant attempt to secure cabinet positions and exploit government resources.

Mbadi, however, has fired back, insisting that the alliance is essential for ODM’s influence and his personal political future.

The Allure of Cabinet Positions

Azimio, the coalition where ODM is the largest party, has been awarded seven Cabinet slots in Ruto’s government.

ODM is scrambling to secure the majority of these positions, and Mbadi is fiercely vying to be one of the beneficiaries.

This pursuit is not just about personal ambition but also about ensuring ODM’s strategic foothold within the government.

Dismissing Opponents

Mbadi has not hesitated to dismiss the objections of prominent figures like former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

Both leaders are against Azimio sanitizing Ruto’s tainted government. Mbadi’s rebuttals underscore his commitment to the Ruto-Raila alliance and his belief that this partnership is the key to his ministerial dreams.

“I am not persuaded that Uhuru means well for us now. If he wanted to give us leadership, he would have given us leadership in 2022. Some of us today would be Cabinet ministers; I would not be a nominated member of Parliament,” Mbadi said.

Broken Promises and Renewed Ambitions

In 2022, Mbadi shelved his gubernatorial ambitions after Raila Odinga promised him a CS position. However, Raila’s loss to Ruto in the presidential election dashed those hopes.

Now, with Ruto’s government extending an olive branch to the opposition, Mbadi sees a new opportunity to realize his long-held dream.

His name is among those floated by Raila for the CS positions, alongside former Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya and former Mombasa governor Hassan Joho.

The Gen Z Factor

Mbadi’s ambitions are unfolding amid a political impasse caused by Generation Z protestors demanding accountability and growth from Ruto’s government.

These young Kenyans are frustrated with the administration’s performance and are pushing for meaningful change.

Ruto, in response, is adopting a political approach to address economic problems by creating a broader government of national unity that includes opposition parties. This strategy aims to quell the protests and restore stability.

Orengo’s Opposition

James Orengo argues that joining Ruto’s government betrays the push for accountable governance that Gen Z protestors have initiated.

He believes that aligning with a government perceived as corrupt undermines the very principles the youth are fighting for.

Mbadi, however, views this as a pragmatic move to ensure ODM’s influence and his political advancement.

The Broader Implications

Mbadi’s desperation to become a CS highlights the fluid and often unstable nature of Kenyan politics. His actions reflect the internal divisions within ODM and the broader opposition coalition.

The scramble for cabinet positions has exposed rifts that could weaken the opposition’s ability to present a united front against Ruto’s government.

Conclusion

John Mbadi’s bid to become a Cabinet Secretary in Ruto’s shaky government is a microcosm of the larger political struggles facing Kenya.

His support for the Ruto-Raila alliance, despite internal opposition and public criticism, underscores his determination to achieve his political goals.

As Mbadi navigates these turbulent waters, his actions will have significant implications for his career, his party, and the future of Kenyan politics.

The political landscape in Kenya remains dynamic and unpredictable. Mbadi’s quest for a CS position is just one of many factors that will shape the country’s future.

Whether his gamble pays off or leads to further division within ODM and the broader opposition, only time will tell.

For now, John Mbadi remains a key player in the unfolding drama of Kenyan politics, driven by ambition and the hope of securing a place at the top.