Mbadi Challenges 2027 Rivals to Drop Slogans and Explain How They Would Run Kenya
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has challenged politicians seeking the presidency in 2027 to move beyond campaign slogans and tell Kenyans exactly what they would do — and how they would pay for it.
Mbadi said voters and journalists should subject presidential hopefuls to tougher scrutiny, particularly on their economic programmes, funding proposals and plans for addressing Kenya’s social challenges.
“If I want to be president, ask me what I will do differently,” Mbadi said, challenging journalists to press candidates for concrete answers rather than allowing political rhetoric to dominate the campaign.
‘How will you fund your promises?’
Mbadi singled out public debt as an area where presidential candidates should provide detailed explanations.
He questioned proposals that Kenya should refuse to repay debts considered questionable, arguing that politicians making such proposals should explain the potential implications for investors, financial institutions and holders of government securities.
“If someone is going to wake up to tell you that the bond that you bought, that you are not going to be paid your coupon because the records are not properly kept at the Treasury, what is that person telling you?” he asked.
The Treasury CS also challenged critics of the Affordable Housing Programme to outline an alternative approach to Kenya’s housing needs.
“If someone is saying the housing problem is bad, what options, what alternatives do they have in terms of housing for this country?” he asked.
He raised a similar question over healthcare, challenging those opposed to the Social Health Authority to explain what system they would put in its place.
Jobs and the economy
Mbadi said the same scrutiny should apply to employment proposals.
According to the CS, presidential aspirants should explain how they intend to create jobs and, crucially, where the money required to implement their programmes would come from.
He said the 2027 election should give Kenyans an opportunity to examine competing proposals on the economy, public debt, employment, healthcare, housing, agriculture and education.
The remarks come amid a growing focus by President William Ruto and his allies on challenging opposition politicians to present alternative policies and explain how they would fund their plans. Ruto made a similar appeal during his recent tours, urging opponents to present clear agendas rather than slogans.
Mbadi also urged journalists to play a more active role in scrutinising presidential hopefuls.
“Presidential candidates appear before you and you don’t ask tough questions,” he said.
Mbadi makes Nyanza claim
The Treasury CS also addressed the shifting political alignments in Nyanza during President Ruto’s ongoing engagement with the region.
Mbadi argued that Nyanza was increasingly supporting the President’s administration, while cautioning against reading too much into party merchandise worn by crowds attending political events.
He said he had seen ODM-branded clothing at several events and argued that the presence of different party colours did not necessarily indicate opposition to Ruto.
“Let us accept it, that Nyanza is behind Ruto. That’s the bottom line,” Mbadi said.
His comments come as Ruto continues to strengthen his political relationship with senior ODM figures in Nyanza ahead of the 2027 General Election. Recent reporting has highlighted the administration’s development and political outreach in the region.
The emerging political realignment has placed greater focus on the competing agendas likely to shape the 2027 presidential contest, with government and opposition figures increasingly challenging one another to explain their plans for Kenya’s economy and public services.
Also Read: What Will You Do Differently?’ Mbadi Challenges 2027 Presidential Aspirants