How I'll work with David Ndii, other Ruto economic advisors - Mbadi

Treasury Cabinet Secretary nominee John Mbadi has defended the appointment of advisors, highlighting their crucial roles in government.

Mbadi, while appearing before the National Assembly Appointment Committee on Saturday, asserted that the President has the absolute authority to select individuals who will assist with political and economic matters.

"You can't stop the president from having advisors, whether political, economic, or otherwise. As the Head of State, he has that mandate. He has that authority to hire," he explained. 

If approved and in his capacity as the Treasury boss, Mbadi noted that he remains the principal advisor to the president on matters of finance.

The former ODM chairman, however, cautioned advisors, including economic expert David Ndii, against speaking on behalf of the person they are advising.

David Ndii, chairs President Ruto’s Council of Economic Advisors, which includes Mohammed Hassan, former Cabinet Secretary Adan Mohammed, Kamau Thugge, Augustine Cheruiyot, and Nancy Laibuni.

Speaker Moses Wetangula and his deputy Gladys Boss following proceedings during the vetting of CS nominees on Saturday, August 3, 2024.(Photo: Parliament)

"I also believe that these people are professionals like me, so we would be engaging at one point and agreeing or disagreeing, but the final decision will be taken by the cabinet. If you are an advisor, please make sure the person you advise communicates. Don't communicate on behalf of the person you advise," Mbadi noted.

The legislator, who has 15 years of experience in accounting, told the vetting panel that his extensive background makes him the ideal candidate for the position.

For the past 15 years in parliament, Mbadi has been a member of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, which is responsible for preparing the country's budget.

"This budget committee is constitutionally mandated to prepare budgets of this country. During this time, I interacted a lot with the Kenyan budget and the macro-economic policies, I can attest that I have interacted with the budget review outlook paper, which is prepared every year. I am comfortable with how to generate budget policy statements," Mbadi explained.

Currently, Mbadi serves as the Chair of the National Assembly Public Accounts Committee, which oversees the accountability of ministries, departments, and agencies.

With 28 years of experience in finance, leadership, and politics, Mbadi's career is marked by significant achievements.

Mbadi is among the five nominees scheduled to appear before the Appointments Committee for vetting on Saturday.

The rest include Salim Mvurya (Trade), Rebecca Miano (Tourism), Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), and Kipchumba Murkomen (Sports).