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President William Ruto has appointed John Mbadi, the Nominated Member of Parliament and Chairman of the ODM (Orange Democratic Movement) party, as the new Cabinet Secretary for the Treasury.
This announcement was made during the State of the Nation address at State House, Nairobi, marking a significant moment in Kenyan politics.
John Mbadi's political career spans over a decade, marked by significant milestones and leadership roles.
He first entered Parliament in 2007, representing the Gwassi Constituency. Over the years, Mbadi has established himself as a prominent figure in Kenyan politics, known for his strategic alliances and leadership within the ODM party.
Mbadi served as the MP for Suba South Constituency in the 12th Parliament.
During this period, he was also the Leader of the Minority Party, playing a crucial role in shaping parliamentary debates and policies.
His leadership skills were further recognized when he was appointed as the Assistant Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister in September 2012, a position he held until the 2013 general elections.
John Mbadi has been actively involved in various significant political activities and initiatives in Kenya.
Notably, he was a member of the Public Accounts Committee that investigated the multi-million National Youth Service (NYS) scandal. His involvement in this committee underscored his commitment to accountability and transparency in public service.
As the ODM party chairman, Mbadi has been instrumental in setting the political agenda in Kenya. In 2020 and 2021, he played a pivotal role in the 'handshake' initiative and the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), which aimed to foster national unity and reform Kenya's political landscape.
In the run-up to the 2022 general elections, John Mbadi made a significant decision that highlighted his loyalty and strategic thinking.
He withdrew from the Homa Bay governor race to focus on campaigning for Raila Odinga's presidential bid.
This move was seen as a sacrifice for the greater good of the ODM party and its aspirations. Mbadi's decision was made after careful discussions with party officials, emphasizing his dedication to the party's success.
Mbadi's withdrawal from the gubernatorial race allowed him to concentrate on securing as many seats as possible for the ODM in the national elections. This strategic move demonstrated his political acumen and commitment to the party's objectives.
Despite his achievements and leadership roles, John Mbadi has not been without controversy. In October 2022, during a heated parliamentary debate, he called for the rejection of the majority of President William Ruto's Cabinet nominees.
Mbadi argued that most of the nominees were unqualified and had integrity issues, suggesting that they were not fit to run the government effectively. He stated that only eight of the 24 nominees were suitable for the Cabinet positions.
Mbadi's outspoken criticism highlighted his willingness to challenge decisions he deemed inappropriate, even if it meant opposing the President's choices.
This stance showcased his commitment to maintaining high standards of governance and integrity in public service.
John Mbadi's educational journey has also played a crucial role in shaping his career. He attended Lingongo Primary School and later Kokuro Boys Secondary School for his secondary education.
In 1992, he enrolled at the University of Nairobi, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1996.
His pursuit of higher education continued, and in 2007, he obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA), further enhancing his qualifications and expertise.
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