Mbadi breaks silence on state deals, warns against public disclosure

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has stepped forward to cool a political storm, warning that public disclosure of pending government deals could quietly wreck negotiations and shake financial markets.

Speaking on Spice FM on Wednesday, Mbadi said government talks with investors follow a strict process and cannot be debated in public before they officially begin.

He cautioned that rushing information to the public may feel transparent, but could come at a heavy cost.

“Financial transactions are very sensitive, and capital markets are extremely delicate,” Mbadi explained.

National Treasury CS John Mbadi. Photo: Courtesy

His remarks come amid growing criticism from opposition leaders, including Rigathi Gachagua and Kalonzo Musyoka, who have accused the government of attempting to dispose of strategic national assets without transparency.

Kalonzo has previously claimed that assets such as Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Kenya Pipeline were being lined up for sale behind closed doors.

Mbadi pushed back, laying out what he described as a clear four stage process. It begins with proposal initiation, followed by National Assembly oversight, then execution, and finally reporting and accountability.

He clarified that public participation only kicks in after a formal offer has been received and Cabinet approval granted.

National Treasury CS John Mbadi. Photo: Courtesy

At that point, Parliament invites public views and the process is broadcast live, allowing Kenyans to question the Treasury directly.

“If Parliament rejects the transaction, it ends there,” Mbadi said, adding that approval triggers full disclosure to oversight bodies including the Auditor General and Controller of Budget.

The Treasury boss insisted that silence at early stages is not secrecy, but protection. His message was clear: shouting too early could cost the country billions.