Winnie Odinga delivered sharp criticism of the Kenyan government and Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi today, telling mourners the economy is in bad shape and leaders need to talk less and work more. Her words came during the final sendoff for Mama Teresa Nyaboke Omoke, mother of Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, in a gathering that mixed grief with pointed political messages.
Hundreds turned out in Kisii for the burial service, where family, friends, and political figures paid their respects to the late matriarch. Winnie, daughter of the late opposition icon Raila Odinga, used the platform to voice growing public frustration with how things stand in the country right now. She did not hold back.
“The economy is in bad shape. Talk less and work more, and the National Treasury is not a personal office,” she said, according to those present. Her remarks landed amid recent tensions between Odinga family members and Mbadi, who serves as Treasury CS.
Observers see her comments as a direct response to ongoing rifts within the Orange Democratic Movement and broader questions about economic management.
People in the crowd nodded along as she spoke. Many Kenyans have been feeling the pinch from high living costs, unstable prices, and limited job opportunities.
Those close to the family described Mama Teresa as a strong woman who raised leaders and valued hard work. Senator Onyonka and his relatives welcomed guests from different political sides, showing a moment of unity even as bigger battles simmer. Leaders like Edwin Sifuna and others attended, turning the event into something larger than just a burial.
Winnie’s intervention comes at a sensitive time. Recent public exchanges between Mbadi and Ruth Odinga have highlighted divisions in ODM. Ruth, Kisumu’s woman representative, pushed back against comments she saw as attacks on the Odinga name and legacy.
Winnie appeared to build on that by focusing on performance rather than personalities. She reminded everyone that the Treasury exists to serve the public purse, not individual ambitions.
Economic numbers tell a tough story these days. Inflation pressures, debt concerns, and slow growth affect households from Kisii to Nairobi. Families cut back on basics while wondering when relief will come. Critics argue that government talk has outpaced real fixes on the ground.
Winnie’s call to “talk less and work more” struck a chord because it feels practical. Kenyans want action on jobs, affordable food, and stable prices more than long speeches.
One attendee, who asked not to be named, said hearing Winnie speak brought both comfort and fire. “She said what many think but fear to say openly,” the person shared afterwards. In rural areas like this part of Kisii, respect for elders and straight talk often go together, especially at funerals where life lessons get passed on.
Political watchers note that Winnie has stepped up more visibly since her father’s passing. She carries forward family traditions of engaging communities directly.
Winnie left attendees with a clear challenge. Leaders should focus on delivery instead of drama. The economy needs steady hands and fewer excuses. Whether her message sparks real change or more back-and-forth remains to be seen. For now, it has people talking in homes and online about accountability at the top.
In Kisii today, one family’s farewell became a platform for wider reflection. Kenyans continue to watch closely as familiar names navigate old rivalries and new realities. The road ahead looks demanding, but voices like Winnie’s keep the conversation alive on what matters most to ordinary people.
Winnie Odinga criticises the Kenyan government and CS John Mbadi at Mama Teresa Nyaboke Omoke’s burial in Kisii, saying the economy is in bad shape and urging leaders to talk less and work more. Read the latest on this political moment.
