Minister John Mbadi rules out bid for Homa Bay governor in 2027

Former Suba South MP and current Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury, John Mbadi, has dismissed speculation that he plans to run for Homa Bay governor in the 2027 elections. Mbadi, who is former ODM party national chairman, said he has shifted his focus to national leadership and has no intention of returning to county politics. He noted that although he sought the Homa Bay governorship in 2022, his political trajectory has since changed. “I’m now a cabinet secretary, and we are in 2026. To be honest with you, I can only go up; I don’t want to go down,” Mbadi said. “It would be foolish for me to go back to Homa Bay. I want to reach the sky. I want to lead this country in future.” He made the remarks during a meeting with Luo elders from Nairobi County on Tuesday, February 17. The elders were led by Tom Odongo and Stephen Mbote. Mbadi also urged the Luo community to avoid returning to street protests, saying the region has already lost many lives to political unrest. He emphasized the need for peaceful engagement, adding that demonstrations are unnecessary at this time. The elders, who pledged support for the broad-based government arrangement incorporating ODM members into President William Ruto’s cabinet, announced plans to tour major towns across the country to promote unity among all Kenyans.