President William Ruto has defended his appointment of John Mbadi as Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury.
According to Ruto, the appointment decision was guided by efforts to promote inclusivity, correct historical stereotypes, and strengthen national unity in the government.
Speaking during the presentation of the framework for reparations for victims of human rights violations at State House, the head of state said he aimed to address historical injustices and ensure equitable development across the country.
“I was correcting the negative profiling of some of our communities, that there are positions that are reserved for some people and there are positions that can never be occupied by other people. An injustice and a stigma on a whole community. It needed to be corrected.
Why John Mbadi Was Chosen for Treasury
Ruto revealed that the appointment of John Mbadi was a part of a strategy to challenge long-standing perceptions about certain communities are suited to manage economic affairs.
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He also added that during the appointment, he had to disagree with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who had preferred someone else.
“And it is the same thing when it came to the formation of the broad-based government. I remember very well, my brother, the Honorable Raila Odinga, had a different opinion of who should be the Minister for Finance. And I remember I told him that, my brother, if there is one place I will defy you, is that I am going to appoint a person from Luo Nyanza to be the first Cabinet Secretary or Minister for Finance,” said Ruto
He said there has historically been a stereotype that certain communities are not trusted with property and financial leadership roles, a perception he described as unfair and damaging.
The President argued that such profiling has contributed to exclusion in senior economic positions and needed to be corrected.
Ruto added that Mbadi’s appointment was also meant to demonstrate confidence in leaders drawn from different political and regional backgrounds.
According to the head of State, the broad-based government is intends to reduce political exclusion and promote cooperation in the country.
Ruto Details Why He Appointed CDF Francis Ogolla
President Ruto also explained that his appointment of the late General Ogolla was intended to correct the negative profiling of certain communities in Kenya.
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He said the decision to appoint General Ogolla was part of a broader effort to dismantle stereotypes that have historically influenced access to strategic national positions, including within the security sector.
“I remember very well, and this is a good occasion for me to say, when I decided to appoint General Ogolla, I was correcting the negative profiling of some of our communities, that there are positions that are reserved for some people and there are positions that can never be occupied by other people,” he added.
According to the President, correcting these perceptions is essential for strengthening trust in public institutions and ensuring that all Kenyans feel represented in the country’s leadership structures.
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