Mbadi Dismisses Owino's Political Influence in Homa Bay
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has publicly challenged the political standing of Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino, labeling him a "juvenile politician" who is overestimating his own significance. These pointed remarks were delivered during a church service held in Suba South on Sunday, where Mbadi directly addressed recent statements made by Owino concerning the upcoming 2027 General Election.
Mbadi's comments were a direct rebuttal to Babu Owino's earlier vow to ensure that Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament Peter Kaluma would not secure re-election in the next polls. Speaking at the service, Mbadi questioned Owino's authority and reach within the Homa Bay region, stating, "Who is Babu Owino? You know you can overrate yourself. This guy is a young man, he is a juvenile politician who got into politics the other day." The Treasury Cabinet Secretary emphasized Owino's relative newness to the political scene, suggesting a lack of established influence in the area he now seeks to disrupt.
Further pressing his point, Mbadi issued a direct challenge to Owino, urging him to validate his political reach and popularity by testing it directly in Homa Bay town. Mbadi asserted that if Owino genuinely wished to demonstrate his influence and support base, he should attempt to do so within that specific locality, rather than making pronouncements from afar. This challenge underscored Mbadi's belief that the political landscape of Homa Bay is distinct and not easily swayed by external declarations.
CS Mbadi Vows Support for Kaluma Re-election and Ruto's Agenda
Following his critique of Babu Owino, John Mbadi unequivocally pledged his active support for Peter Kaluma’s re-election bid for the Homa Bay Town parliamentary seat. Mbadi stressed that while the ultimate decision on political representation rests with the residents of Homa Bay, he personally commands a following within Homa Bay town whose votes he intends to mobilize for Kaluma. "I will make sure Kaluma is re-elected. Homa Bay has its people," Mbadi declared during the service, signaling a strong commitment to the incumbent MP.
Beyond local politics, the Cabinet Secretary also indicated his intention to mobilize significant support for President William Ruto within the broader Homa Bay region. This move signals a coordinated effort by government-aligned leaders to bolster the current administration's standing and influence in a region traditionally associated with opposition politics. Mbadi's pledge suggests a strategic push to align local political outcomes with the national government's agenda, potentially reshaping the political dynamics of the area in the run-up to 2027.
Warning Against Political Disruption
During the same event, Mbadi, alongside other leaders aligned with the government, issued a stern warning to political figures associated with the "Linda Mwananchi movement." They were advised against visiting the Homa Bay region with any intentions of causing chaos or disruption. The Cabinet Secretary and his allies cautioned that such actions would not be tolerated, underscoring a collective resolve to maintain peace and order while asserting the region's political autonomy.
Nyanza Leaders Assert Local Political Autonomy
The Treasury CS's firm stance on local political direction and the role of external actors was echoed and reinforced by other prominent regional figures. Mbadi extended his challenge beyond Babu Owino, daring both Owino and Siaya Governor James Orengo to test their political popularity directly in Homa Bay. He reiterated that the county's political direction is, and will remain, determined by its own residents, emphasizing the importance of grassroots sentiment over pronouncements from outside.
Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko publicly supported Mbadi’s sentiments regarding political leaders, reinforcing the collective message that external political actors should respect the unique local political landscape and the will of the Homa Bay electorate. This unified front from government-aligned leaders underscores a shared commitment to defending incumbent politicians and promoting the current administration's influence within the region, particularly in the lead-up to the 2027 General Election.
The ongoing dispute highlights simmering tensions between established government figures in the Nyanza region and opposition voices, some of whom are associated with movements like the "Linda Mwananchi movement." As the 2027 General Election cycle begins to take shape, these public exchanges serve as early indicators of the political strategies and alliances that are likely to be employed in Homa Bay and the surrounding counties. The collective message from Mbadi, Ayacko, and other government-aligned leaders is clear: the political destiny of Homa Bay will be decided by its people, with strong backing for those aligned with the current administration and a firm rejection of perceived external interference.