Mbadi, Wandayi bid farewell to Parliament ahead of their swearing-in as CSs

Cabinet Secretary nominees John Mbadi and Opiyo Wandayi bid farewell to the National Assembly on Wednesday evening as they transition to executive roles.

Mbadi is headed to the National Treasury, while Wandayi is the Energy CS in waiting after the House endorsed the report by the Committee on Appointments approving their nomination.

In his farewell message, Mbadi expressed his gratitude to President William Ruto for the nomination and to his party leader, Raila Odinga, for shaping his political career.

“I am equally indebted to ODM for allowing me to use the same party ticket to Parliament for a record 17 years, becoming one of the longest-serving members of this house," he said. 

“I leave this house with my head held high, and I left a mark in the history of this house. If I have wronged anyone, forgive me. I assume the office as the Cabinet Secretary National Treasury and Economic Planning; simply put, the people of Kenya are entrusting me with their granary honourable speaker in the backdrop of this long political journey," Mbadi added.

On his end, Wandayi started by handing over the instruments of the Minority Leader to Suna East MP Junet Mohammed.

“I'm grateful to the leadership of the Minority party for their cooperation during my two years as the leader," he said.

Wandayi has been a Member of Parliament for 12 years.

“I cannot end without thanking the President of Kenya for granting me this historic opportunity to serve my country as cabinet secretary. This country is much bigger than any of us, and we have a duty to nurture and protect it," he said.

On his part, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula urged the two nominees to leave channels of communication open to MPs when they assume office.

He noted that the two are familiar with the challenges lawmakers face when interacting with cabinet secretaries.

"I will be the saddest speaker in the history of Kenya to hear from MPs coming to complain that you cannot open the doors for them, you cannot take their calls and can't even attend to the issues they bring to you," Wetang'ula said.

The Speaker also urged the two to mentor other Cabinet Secretaries who have not been MPs in the past.

"Go out there and set the pace. Mentor those who have not had the opportunity to come to this House on how they can deal with MPs. Go to whichever offices you are from and write your letters of resignation as MPs and deliver them to this House, I wish you well," he added.

He added, "Carry out the duties of the Cabinet in helping the President move this country forward."

"You are not Cabinet Secretaries of any party; you are Cabinet Secretaries of the Republic of Kenya and you are going to work for Kenyans. I want to see you in Turkana, Lamu, Kwale, Kiambu and Narok. I want to see you everywhere so that the country can feel and appreciate you," he said.