Finance Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has ignited wide discussion online following remarks he made during a public gathering about how geography and access to resources shape economic opportunity in Kenya.
While speaking, Mbadi reflected on regional differences in development, noting that communities living closer to Nairobi enjoy natural economic advantages due to better land, infrastructure, and proximity to markets.
He observed that people from regions farther away, including areas near Lake Victoria, often face longer and more challenging journeys to access the capital and its opportunities.
Mbadi clarified that his remarks were not meant to promote tribal superiority, but rather to highlight how historical and geographical factors influence economic outcomes.
He stressed that no one chooses their tribe or parents, arguing that ethnic pride should not be a source of arrogance or division.
According to the Cabinet Secretary, Kenya’s strength lies in interdependence. He explained that Nairobi depends on surrounding regions for food and labor, while those regions rely on the capital for markets, services, and tax-supported infrastructure. This shared reliance, he said, is often overlooked when politics shifts focus to ethnic differences.
Mbadi also spoke briefly about his personal background, including the loss of his parents, whom he credited for his life despite the circumstances of birth being beyond human control.
He urged Kenyans to reject divisive “us versus them” narratives that frequently surface during election periods.
Emphasizing his role in government, Mbadi stated that as Finance Cabinet Secretary, his responsibility is to serve all Kenyans equally, regardless of ethnic background.
He said economic planning and policy must benefit every citizen, whether from urban or rural areas.
The remarks have drawn mixed reactions online, with supporters praising the message of unity and realism, while critics debated its political implications.
Nonetheless, Mbadi’s comments have reopened conversations on regional equity, development, and the need to move beyond ethnic politics toward shared national progress.
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