John Mbadi Confronts Gwassi South MCA Aspirant, Warns Against Challenging Incumbent: "I've Decided"
- Treasury CS John Mbadi publicly declared support for a local leader while dismissing rival’s chances in the 2027 General Election
- In the video, he issued a strong warning to the rival aspirant while also urging him to offer support to the public despite giving up in his bid
- A section of Kenyans online were divided over the bold political comments and raised questions about democratic space and fair competition in local elections
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has stirred political controversy after publicly confronting a Gwassi South MCA aspirant and warning him against challenging incumbent Susan Akoth Onyango in the 2027 polls.
Source: Facebook
Speaking during a public event, Mbadi declared his full support for Akoth, insisting she would be re-elected regardless of opposition.
Why did Mbadi warn aspiring MCA?
He urged the aspiring candidate to step down, stating that challenging Akoth would be a waste of resources.
“That young man who wants to vie, I am not begging you. You will vie after Susan. I have decided—and whether you like it or not, there is nothing you can do,” said Mbadi. “Stop it because you will waste a lot of your money. I just need votes and to ensure Susan is re-elected.”
Mbadi, who once served as the Suba South MP, went on to praise Susan's leadership, claiming she had achieved more in two years than her two predecessors.
He questioned how anyone could defeat her with his backing.
“Just by looking at me, can you defeat me in an election? If I am behind Susan, how do you plan to defeat her?” he asked, adding that the aspirant should continue giving out money but not seek office.
He further stated that the Nyando community, where the aspirant reportedly hails from, should not field multiple candidates, hinting that the aspirant's ambitions would be redirected elsewhere.
“These people from Nyando cannot have two aspirants—we only need one,” Mbadi said. “Just give out money within our boundaries, but we don’t want to hear that you’re running.”
Source: Facebook
His remarks drew mixed reactions online.
Many Kenyans criticised him for attempting to impose a leader on the electorate, calling it undemocratic.
Others defended his position, arguing that his influence and endorsement reflect political strategy rather than coercion.
How did Kenyans react to Mbadi's political lecture?
Attomy Sifa Igwee
"Hon. John Mbadi , I always love and admire your political vigour... but on this, you went overboard, remember pride comes before a fall. Wacha kutumia power ya magari na bendera kutishia watu back in the village... instead just empower all, let people decide on who they want. Stop forcing your relatives on people's nerves."
Mgoye Aduda
"Is it about who Mbadi wants or who Kenyans want?"
Fred Amol
"Mbadi is politically right."
Benard Okoth
"I'd like to know if democracy exists... because, I mean how can an individual decide for the the majority in this case who they should elect and even goes ahead to dare an aspirant not to exercise his democratic right?"
Vincent Omondi Omolo
"Two things: First, Mbadi has a right to support whoever he deems fit for the seat of the MCA. Secondly, he has no right to decide who contests for the same seat."
Ogello Oliver
"Instead of Mbadi uplifting young people, he is lecturing that young man, until when will we stop this kind of politics that when one tries to rise they are shut down? Every person has a right to be whom they want to become."
What happened to nominated MCA Ann Thumbi?
In other news, the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) halted the enforcement of disciplinary action by the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) against nominated MCA Ann Thumbi.
The move followed her attendance at a Democratic Congress Party (DCP) rally, which UDA deemed a breach of party rules.
Thumbi challenged the summons, arguing the party's actions were politically motivated and aimed at ousting her from both the party and her MCA seat.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
