John Mbadi did not hold back when he responded to Winnie Odinga. The Treasury Cabinet Secretary delivered strong words that have sparked fresh talk about divisions inside the ODM party.
Mbadi spoke during a development tour in Homa Bay on May 16. He told the East African Legislative Assembly member that she needed to earn her place through popular vote before offering him advice. His message carried clear frustration after Winnie had questioned how he runs the National Treasury.
“You are a very small child. Get elected by the people first before you dare me. Or stay with your mother,” Mbadi said, according to videos and reports circulating widely on social media. He reminded listeners of his long years in politics, including time as ODM chairman under the late Raila Odinga.
The clash comes at a sensitive time for ODM. Seven months after Raila Odinga’s passing in October 2025, the party is trying to find its footing. Acting leader Oburu Odinga and other family members continue to play big roles.
Mbadi, now serving in President William Ruto’s cabinet, has pushed for the party to focus on the future instead of constantly looking back.
Winnie Odinga had spoken the day before at a funeral event. She warned against turning the Treasury into a place for political fights. She called for leaders to talk less and work more on issues that matter to ordinary Kenyans, such as the economy and daily costs. Her comments targeted what she saw as growing arrogance from some government officials.
Those remarks clearly touched a nerve with Mbadi. In his reply, he questioned her experience and suggested she should first test herself in a local election.
He said he would not entertain what he described as young or immature politics. Supporters on both sides quickly took to online platforms to defend their preferred leader.
This is not the first sign of strain. Earlier at an ODM retreat in Mombasa, Mbadi had challenged family members who kept quoting the late Raila during discussions.
He argued that the party must build new ideas and not depend only on past glory. Ruth Odinga and others pushed back, saying respect for Baba’s legacy remains important.
Older voters in the region remember Mbadi’s long service in Parliament and his role in past coalition talks.
Party insiders hope the tension does not boil over into permanent splits. ODM has survived challenges before, but the loss of its longtime leader left a big gap.
