In an emotional farewell speech following his approval by the Parliament Committee on Appointment, Treasury CS nominee John Mbadi revealed a unique friendship with the leader of the Majority party in parliament and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah.
During the parliament session on August 7, 2024, Mbadi stated that despite their open opposition to one another on the house floor, they remained friends with Ichung’wah.
“I want to thank the leadership of the majority party Kimani Ichung’wah, who is my friend a professional colleague. At times, we didn’t agree a lot but outside the chambers, we were always friendly. He is one person who knows where I live and knows my children and wife because we are friends,” Mbadi revealed.
Mbadi joined Parliament in 2007 as a first-time MP of Suba South and was reelected two times before being nominated by the ODM party in 2022 when he did not run for MP.
He said he was joined by Ichung’wah in 2013 from where their friendship and close working relationship blossomed to what it has become.
Mbadi-Ichung’wah relationship
Ichung’wah, who sits in the Parliamentary Committee on Appointment was one of the MPs who vetted and cleared Mbadi, an accountant by profession, as the Treasury and National Planning cabinet secretary awaiting their swearing-in at State House.
On his part, Ichung’wah confirmed the close working relationship with Mbadi, stating that he was confident he would deliver in his new role.
He also noted that the Treasury CS nominee is a good friend and that he had had several meals at his house.
“He is my friend; I have been to his house numerous times; I have had meals in his house. The only place I am yet to visit is his house in Suba, and I will soon be there,” Ichung’wah said.
Following the exit of Mbadi and Opiyo Wandayi, Parliament has approved the nomination of Suna East to be the leader of the Majority party and Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo will be the Minority whip in Parliament.
“The changes take effect today, August 7, 2024,” National Assembly speaker Moses Wetang’ula said.
Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi was also approved by the parliamentary committee on appointment alongside other nominees including former deputy party leaders of ODM Wycliffe Oparanya and Hassan Joho.
Wandayi thanked President William Ruto for his nomination, promising to serve the nation to the best of his abilities.
“As I transit to the executive, my doors shall remain open,” he said during his final speech in Parliament.