Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya

The National Treasury Cabinet secretary John Mbadi, has defended President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza government.

While speaking on Friday, June 6, during the Kapseret economic constituency empowerment, Mbadi stated that the head of state can't transform the country completely in just two years.

Previously a critic of Ruto's government, Mbadi claimed that when Ruto took over the presidency, he found the country's economy in a very bad state, which made it impossible to revive it fast enough.

He further called out critics who claimed that Ruto's government has failed to deliver the promises made to Kenyans during the campaign season.

"When Ruto was elected two years ago, he found the economy in a very bad state. I hear people saying that the government cannot perform. Some people think that when the president serves for two years, he can be able to transform Kenya to be like Washington or London, but it is impossible. We must start from somewhere before moving forward," Mbadi said

The vocal CS stated that the most important thing to Kenyans is having food on the table, asserting that food supply in the country has improved since Ruto took office.

He pointed out an instance during which the former prime minister, Raila Odinga, led Kenyans in anti-Ruto protests due to the state of the economy, implying that things have since changed.

"When Ruto was elected, we were putting sufurias on our heads because there was no food," he added.

Additionally, Mbadi reminded Kenyans that he was once in opposition, but things have changed, and he is currently serving in Ruto's Cabinet.

He stated that being appointed as Treasury CS showed that so much is expected of him, especially in the way he speaks about the government he works for.

"I have not seen a president who can be elected and choose someone from a different party to be the Treasury CS. This means that William Ruto is a different leader. He is a courageous leader. He takes risks," he added.

Previously, Mbadi had pledged his allegiance to the head of state just months after being appointed to Ruto's Cabinet.

While addressing the residents of Homa Bay county in December 2024, Mbadi said that Ruto showed immense trust by allowing him to be at the helm of the Ministry of Finance.

He asserted that due to Ruto's show of trust in him despite not being a member of the ruling party, it was very difficult to betray him.

Source: TUKO.co.ke