Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi asserts that the silent majority residing in towns and villages will ultimately shape Kenya’s political landscape, countering the influence of a vocal minority that dominates media discussions and street protests.
In a post shared on his X account on February 20, 2026, Mbadi emphasized that, despite the prominence of opposition voices, true electoral power lies within the rural electorate.
“The minority will express their opinions in the streets and leap from one media talk show to another. However, it is the silent majority, both in urban centers and deep rural areas, who will ultimately prevail,” Mbadi declared.
During an evening event in Ndhiwa, Homa Bay County, the Treasury CS highlighted that the political dialogue at the grassroots level diverges significantly from the rhetoric often heard in urban settings.
“My friends, Ndhiwa was the focal point this evening. Here in the rural areas, the conversation centers around ‘Tutam,’” he remarked.
Mbadi’s comments surfaced amid an escalating political discourse surrounding the “tutam” and “wantam” slogans that have recently captured public attention.
On the same day, Oburu Odinga, leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), clarified the party’s stance, distancing it from both narratives. He stated that ODM is concentrating on fortifying its internal structures in preparation for the 2027 general election.
Speaking at the Siaya County Assembly before the Linda Ground forum scheduled for February 21, 2026—a gathering that will also mark his homecoming as party leader—Oburu emphasized that the party’s priority lies in consolidation rather than in slogans.
He articulated that ODM aims to bolster its bargaining power ahead of anticipated discussions with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), an initiative he attributed to the party’s Central Management Committee.
Oburu clarified that initiating structured dialogues with UDA does not equate to an endorsement of the tutam narrative.
“We do not align ourselves with either Wantam or Tutam; our focus is on strengthening the party so that ODM approaches the negotiating table with robust numbers,” he asserted.
