East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Winnie Odinga has called Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi over what she termed the politicisation of the National Treasury.
The young Odinga’s remarks come in the wake of Mbadi’s recent remarks that have been seen as belittling the legacy of her late father, Raila Odinga, by a section of his supporters.
She warned leaders against using public offices to intimidate critics instead of addressing Kenya’s growing economic struggles.
Speaking on Friday, May 15, during the burial ceremony of the mother of Kisii senator Richard Onyonka, the outspoken ODM politician used the solemn occasion to fault Mbadi and other government officials for engaging in political confrontations while ordinary Kenyans continue to grapple with a harsh economy.
Winnie began by sending condolences on behalf of her family and her mother, Dr Ida Odinga to Onyonka following his mother, Teresia Nyaboke’s death.
An emotional Winnie, still reeling from Raila’s death in October 2025, observed that losing a parent reduces everyone, regardless of status.
“Losing a mother is not something easy. In fact, losing anybody that’s very close to you is not very easy. Hata ukiwa senator ama governor or anything that you are, when that happens unarudi kuwa mtoto tu. So poleni sana,” she stated.
However, her speech quickly shifted into a pointed criticism of Kenya’s political leadership and economic management.
The EALA lawmaker particularly questioned the state of the economy, citing rising fuel prices, mounting debt and widespread struggles among ordinary Kenyans.
Referring to reports that Kenya’s public debt had crossed KSh 10 trillion, she painted a vivid picture of a person drowning in debt while pretending everything was under control.
“I know that figure is so large that some people cannot even comprehend it. But think of it this way: it is like having a neighbour who already owes you money, but little by little he keeps borrowing elsewhere,” she said.
She continued with an analogy of a heavily indebted man avoiding creditors while still maintaining appearances with expensive clothes and a polished public image.
“What is happening here? The economy is in bad shape. Young people do not have jobs. Small businesses are shutting down. Farmers are struggling because of the high cost of fertiliser, yet you have no focus,” Winnie stated.
In a direct jab at Mbadi, Winnie insisted that the National Treasury should remain a professional institution focused on protecting Kenya’s economy rather than a political battleground.
“To finish, the National Treasury is not a political office. The National Treasury of the Republic of Kenya is not a personal office. The National Treasury of the largest economy in Eastern and Central Africa is not a platform for you to abuse us and talk to us however you want. That is where we carry our economy.
“Unajua kazi ya hiyo ofisi ni kulinda thamani ya pesa ya wananchi. That is the work of that office. And therefore, as public servants, I think we need to take a little step in how we treat each other, how we talk to people. We need to pay more attention to the people on the ground. We need to listen to them,” she said.
