Mbadi’s Loyalty to Raila: ‘I Never Betrayed Him’
National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has reaffirmed his lifelong loyalty to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, saying he never betrayed him at any point during their decades-long political journey.
Speaking emotionally during Raila’s state funeral at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Bondo, Siaya County, Mbadi said he remained faithful to Raila through both triumphs and challenges.
“I have never betrayed Raila Amollo Odinga, not even once — from my days as a university student to the Cabinet today,” Mbadi said.
He credited Raila for shaping his political career, noting that the ODM leader gave him opportunities when few believed in his potential.
“You gave me positions of leadership when nobody could have imagined I could lead,” he said.
Mbadi reflected on the many positions he held under Raila’s guidance — from Assistant Minister and ODM Party Chairman to Minority Leader in Parliament, and most recently, Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury — making him the first Luo to hold the powerful docket.
He also recounted one of the most difficult moments in their relationship, when Raila informed him that he would not be the ODM candidate for Homa Bay Governor in the 2022 General Election.
“Even when you gave me the sad news that I was not going to be the governor for Homa Bay County, I still stood behind you because I knew why you made that decision,” Mbadi said.
The Cabinet Secretary praised Raila’s resilience and commitment to principle, recalling the betrayals he faced throughout his political life — including in 1996 when several Luo MPs deserted him during his split from Ford Kenya.
“Now, he has died when all Luo leaders are behind him,” Mbadi said. “I am glad he rested knowing I never betrayed him.”
In a lighter moment, Mbadi joked about the only thing he and Raila ever disagreed on — football. “We only differed on soccer — Baba supported Arsenal, I support Manchester United,” he said, drawing laughter from mourners.