Migori, Kenya — A political storm is brewing between Finance Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro over the national budget.
Speaking during a public fundraiser in Awendo, Migori County, Mbadi accused Nyoro of hypocrisy and unfair practices during his time as head of the powerful Budget and Appropriations Committee.
“He says coffee farmers were forgotten in this budget. But when he was in charge, the allocation was just KSh3 billion. This year, we’ve given KSh4 billion,” Mbadi said. “Let’s be honest. If you haven’t read the budget, please take time and do so.”
Nyoro has been a vocal critic of Mbadi’s proposed 2025/26 budget, calling it unjust and politically skewed. He has particularly taken issue with allocations to agriculture and infrastructure.
But Mbadi wasn’t having it.
He accused Nyoro of channelling billions to his own backyard while neglecting other parts of the country.
“Daadab will finally get its first tarmac road since independence,” said Mbadi. “Yet when this same gentleman was chair, he directed over KSh6 billion to Kiharu and Murang’a alone.”
The exchange has sparked fresh debate over regional fairness in national development, especially with mounting scrutiny over how public funds are shared.
Mbadi, who was accompanied by Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko and Internal Security PS Raymond Omollo, said President William Ruto’s government is working to ensure all regions benefit.
“Even places that were left behind are now seeing progress,” said Ayacko. “We need to move forward, not backward.”
Nyoro, who has positioned himself as a key ally of President Ruto, has not publicly responded to Mbadi’s remarks.
Still, political analysts warn that the brewing tension could reflect deeper divisions within the ruling coalition ahead of the 2027 polls.
“This is more than just a budget dispute. It’s about influence, visibility, and control,” said Dr. Mercy Oketch, a political analyst at the University of Nairobi. “Both leaders are angling for dominance within the political space.”
As the debate continues, eyes will be on Parliament next month when the budget is tabled for discussion. MPs from across the country are expected to weigh in—and the spotlight will remain on how fair the government truly is in sharing the national cake.
