CS Mbadi reveals reason for sudden weight loss

By Peter Ochieng

Treasury Cabinet Secretary (CS) John Mbadi has poured cold water on claims that he is under pressure to deliver, leading to ‘massive’ weight loss.

The former Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) national chairman was among new CSs sworn in on August 08, 2024, taking over from Professor Njuguna Ndung’u.

Kenyans have been keen to realise that Mbadi has lost weight since assuming office, linking it to stress or pressure that comes with turning around the country’s economic fortunes.

However, appearing before the Senate to respond to several questions raised by Senators on Wednesday, the CS said his weight loss has nothing to do with stress.

“There were talks that I have lost weight. I just want to advise those who are graduating in age that you must keep fit, it is healthy, and it is very good for your health. I have deliberately been cutting that weight, it had nothing to do with pressure or stress,” said the former legislature.

Mbadi admitted that working at the Treasury comes with a lot of pressure, but swiftly added that he is up to the task.

“There is pressure at the Treasury, yes, there is no doubt, but it is not something that is mountable, it is something that I am prepared for, and I will continue to discharge my duties.”

He denied the existence of any rift between him and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, and his Kisii counterpart Richard Onyonka.

“What was seen as differences between me and Onyonka and maybe even Senator Sifuna, we were just discharging our responsibilities and these are my friends, we have come from far,” he noted.

“Onyonka we have been with him in Parliament for over 15 years, and so nothing personal.”

Mbadi was serving as a nominated Member of Parliament on the ODM ticket, before being ‘plucked’ by President William Ruto to perhaps steady the Kenya Kwanza ship at the Treasury.