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Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has hit back hard at EALA MP Winnie Odinga, dismissing her criticism and declaring she lacks the standing to lecture him on managing Kenya’s economy.
The clash erupted after Winnie Odinga, speaking at a burial in Kisii County on Friday, May 15, accused Mbadi and other leaders of turning the National Treasury into a “political office” for arrogance and personal attacks. She urged them to “talk less and work more” amid high fuel prices, rising debt, and economic hardship.
Mbadi fired back on Saturday during a development tour in Homa Bay. “You have no capacity to advise me,” he said, reminding Winnie of his long service in ODM and urging her to first seek an elective seat in Kenya before offering political advice. He dismissed the exchange as “juvenile politics” and called for respect toward ODM leadership.
The heated exchange highlights deepening tensions within ODM following the death of party icon Raila Odinga in October 2025. Mbadi, a former ODM chairman, has pushed for a managed transition into a “post-Raila era,” rejecting any sense of family entitlement. The Odinga family, including Winnie and Ruth Odinga, has strongly defended the late leader’s legacy.
Political observers see the feud as a high-stakes struggle for control of the party that could reshape opposition politics ahead of future elections.
Kenyans on social media have reacted with a mix of shock and support, with some praising Mbadi for asserting independence while others view the infighting as a distraction from pressing economic issues.
The public wrangle shows no signs of cooling, signaling that battles within ODM are only just beginning.
