In a candid and urgent disclosure that has stunned political allies and the public alike, John Mbadi, the powerful Migori MP and ODM national chairman, has admitted that mounting stress nearly cost him his life, attributing his dramatic weight loss to the psychological toll of political battles and leadership pressures.
The revelation has ignited a national conversation on mental health within Kenya’s political class at a time of intensifying political competition ahead of the 2027 general election.
Mbadi’s condition became a subject of public speculation earlier this month when his visibly gaunt appearance raised concerns among constituents and national commentators. Now, in his first full interview since the concerns grew, he acknowledged that stress and overwork had significantly affected his health, prompting doctors to issue stern warnings about his wellbeing.
Mbadi described sleepless nights, relentless political engagements and the emotional strain of managing party dynamics as contributing factors to his deteriorating physical condition.
“I was not just tired. I was overwhelmed,” Mbadi told reporters in Nairobi on Monday, January 19, 2026. He said his frame had shrunk dramatically in recent months, and while he dismissed rumours of underlying medical illnesses, he stressed that stress can be as lethal as any disease if ignored. His comments have drawn rare sympathy across party lines, with both allies and critics expressing concern over the relentless pace of political life.
Mbadi used the platform to urge Kenyans — especially public servants and political leaders — to pay closer attention to mental health and personal wellbeing, warning that burnout can undercut even the most resilient figures if unchecked. He appealed for greater public awareness and better support systems for individuals in high-stress roles.
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