Mbadi: I have never betrayed Raila
By Aloys Michael, October 19, 2025Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has reiterated his unwavering loyalty to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, declaring that he never betrayed the iconic opposition leader.
Speaking emotionally on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) grounds in Bondo during Raila’s state funeral, Mbadi reflected on their shared past and the sacrifices made along the way.
“I have never betrayed Raila Amollo Odinga, not even once, from my days as a university student to the Cabinet today. You gave me positions of leadership when nobody could have imagined I could lead,” he said.
Mbadi said he remained loyal even during the most turbulent moments of their decades-long political journey.
He recounted how Raila had elevated him to numerous key roles, including Assistant Minister, ODM Party Chairman, Minority Leader, and, more recently, Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury, the first Luo to ever hold the powerful docket.
He acknowledged that their relationship had not been without disappointment, recalling the moment Raila informed him he would not be the ODM candidate for Homa Bay Governor.
Yet, he said, he never wavered in his support.
“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,” he said.
The CS reflected on the political betrayals Raila endured throughout his life, including in 1996 when many Luo MPs abandoned him during his split from Ford Kenya, and praised the resilience that defined Raila’s career.
“Now, he has died when all Luo leaders are behind him. I am glad he rested knowing I never betrayed him,” he said.
Mbadi-Raila bromance
In a light-hearted moment amid the somber mood, Mbadi noted the only point of disagreement between them: football.
“We only differed on soccer, Baba supported Arsenal, I support Manchester United,” he said.
Thousands of mourners, local and international dignitaries, and citizens from all walks of life gathered in Bondo to pay their final respects.
Mbadi closed his tribute with a powerful message on Raila’s final wishes for political unity.
“Before he died, Baba showed us that he wanted us to be in government. As a party, as a community, we will be in a broad-based government,” he asserted.