You're too inexperienced to advise me, Mbadi tells Winnie Odinga

National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi during the launch of tarmacking of Got Kojowi-Osogo-Otati road in Ndhiwa Constituency, on May 16, 2026.  [James Omoro, Standard]

The political feud between Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi and members of the late Raila Odinga’s family escalated as Mbadi claimed he cannot allow Winnie to drag him into what he described as juvenile politics.

Mbadi launched scathing attacks on Winnie and claimed she was inexperienced and could not advise him.

Speaking in Ndhiwa Constituency when he presided over the launch of tarmacking the Got Kojowi-Osogo-Otati road, Mbadi accused Winnie of disrespect and lack of political experience.

Mbadi, who was accompanied by ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga, said he will not tolerate Winnie for engaging him in petty politics.

He said Winnie had no moral authority to advise him on how to conduct himself as the National Treasury Cabinet Secretary .

“You cannot come from nowhere to advise me on how to be a CS, I will not tolerate you.

‘‘I cannot tolerate petty and juvenile politics in which you want to engage me.”

He accused Winnie of starting a war she cannot win.

On Friday, Winnie had accused Mbadi of running the National Treasury as a political office and using it as a platform to attack other people.

“The National Treasury is not a political office. It is not a personal office. It is not a platform to talk to us the way you want. The work of that office is to look at the resources of the country. As public servants, we need to pay more attention and listen to them,” Winnie said.

On Saturday, however, Mbadi dismissed Winnie’s claims and claimed that Winnie had never been elected to a political post, hence she lacked moral authority to wage war with seasoned political leaders.

The CS challenged Winnie to seek an elective post and win before she begins criticising leaders.

“I have made many achievements as an MP, Assistant Minister, Minority Leader, ODM Chairman for 10 years and now a Cabinet Secretary. These are great achievements. Can you first vie an elective seat, get elected, and come to people to start nurturing you as a leader,” Mbadi said.

Mbadi said his experience qualifies him to be a leader of the Luo community and even a president of Kenya.

“I have to talk to our people and lead. I am also ready to lead this country as a president.

‘‘I won’t entertain your petty issues,” Mbadi said.

Mbadi said his previous comments about Raila Odinga’s family were misunderstood.

He emphasised that his statement was meant to ensure ODM party remains strong.

“I repeat that if we want to respect Raila’s legacy, we must keep ODM strong and united.

‘‘But this cannot be achieved if some people continue to behave the way they do hence I must admonish them,” Mbadi said.

He argued that ODM leader Oburu Oginga and the entire ODM leadership must be respected.