John Mbadi hits ground running after being sworn-in

By Peter Ochieng

New Treasury Cabinet Secretary (CS) John Mbadi has hit the ground running, hours after being sworn-in during a ceremony witnessed by among others, President William Ruto, at State House, Nairobi on Thursday morning.

The former Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) national chairman takes over from Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u, who was among leaders who never made it back from Ruto’s dissolved cabinet.

Perhaps aware of the task ahead of him as far as turning around the country’s economic fortunes is concerned, Mbadi headed straight to the Treasury House after being sworn in.

“Day one at the Treasury House: I'm delighted to have been received this afternoon by the PS Treasury Chris Kiptoo to set our wheel in motion,” stated the new sheriff in town, at the ministry of finance.

Pictures shared online depict him in a good spirit, having light moments with PS Kiptoo and other officers at the ministry.

Earlier at State House while addressing members of his new cabinet, President Ruto reiterated the need for the broad-based government in bringing together former political rivals, saying inclusivity will ultimately lead to national stability.

“I am persuaded that a moment such as this in the history of our nation calls for patriotic citizens to forge an alliance of rivals to harness our collective political capital, knowledge and expertise to take the strides necessary to make our country great,” the President said.

He recalled critical moments in Kenya’s history when dialogue and consensus pulled the country from the brink of the precipice.

Full list of 19 CSs sown-in:

Kithure Kindiki (Interior)

Soipan Tuya (Defence)

John Mbadi (Finance)

Adan Duale (Environment)

Davis Chirchir (Roads)

Kipchumba Murkomen (Sports)

Salim Mvurya (Trade)

Margaret Nyambura (ICT)

Justin Muturi (Public Service)

Rebecca Miano (Tourism)

Alfred Mutua (Labour)

Opiyo Wandayi (Energy)

Julius Migosi (Education)

Eric Muga (Water)

Hassan Joho (Mining)

Alice Wahome (Lands)

Deborah Barasa (Health)

Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives)

The Gender and East African Community dockets have not been filled, after the National Assembly rejected the nomination of Ms Stella Lang’at to the Gender and Culture ministry. Beatrice Askul, the EAC ministry nominee, is yet to be vetted.