Africa-Press – Kenya. Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi has dismissed claims that some ODM members joined the broad-based government against the wishes of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
He said Raila wanted broad-based government to succeed and ODM members are in it with his blessings.
“Of the current generation of leaders, if you leave out the old guard, I am one of those who served Raila the longest under his tutelage,” Wandayi said.
“I am therefore in a position to understand what my party leader thought and what he meant for this government.”
Wandayi said Raila desired stability and effectiveness in government, arguing that his decision to allow ODM members to work with the Kenya Kwanza administration was deliberate.
“I have no doubt whatsoever in my mind that Raila desired that this government succeeds for the benefit of all Kenyans,” he said.
“He willingly allowed members of his party to participate in this government as a way of making a contribution towards development.”
The CS joined Ruto’s administration at the height of anti-government protests in 2024 alongside other ODM figures including Mining CS Hassan Joho, Treasury CS John Mbadi and Cooperatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya.
His remarks come amid criticism from Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, who alleged that some leaders were invoking Raila’s name to justify their participation in the broad-based arrangement.
“People are putting words into the mouth of a dead man for convenience,” Omondi said in an interview on February 18.
He claimed that certain politicians joined the formation contrary to Raila’s direction at the time.
Wandayi, however, rejected that account and said those who worked closely with Raila understood his broader vision for national stability and service delivery.
He also acknowledged the political vacuum left by Raila’s death, saying many of his supporters are still coming to terms with the loss.
“Most of us who were Raila’s political disciples feel orphaned,” Wandayi said.
“His passing was unexpected, but life must go on. We owe it to Kenyans to perpetuate Baba’s legacy by serving them.”
Defending his continued involvement in ODM affairs, Wandayi said cabinet secretaries retain their constitutional right to engage in political activity, including explaining and defending government programmes.
