Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary (CS), Opiyo Wandayi, has declared unwavering support for President William Ruto’s Broad-based government, insisting the country stands to gain more through the arrangement.
Wandayi said he was firmly behind the President and will support his 2027 re-election bid, given the stability and development the country has realised since he teamed-up with the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Raila Odinga, he said, made a conscious decision to cooperate with President Ruto, in the best interest of the country and the Luo community, calling on leaders and the Nyanza region to stay firmly behind the arrangement as the country gears towards the 2027 General Elections.
“Raila wanted the best for this County and the Luo community. He made all decisions in the best interest of the country. Therefore, we are not going to tolerate those who are trying to confuse our people,” he said.
The remarks come amid rising tension within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) over the Broad-based government deal and uncertainty about the party’s political direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking at St. Monica Catholic Church Nyamasaria in Kisumu East Sub-county, Wandayi said leaders serving in government, would guide the community politically and asked those opposed to the pact, to openly declare their stand and leave.
“We have no problem with ODM making decisions, that is okay,” he said. “But as leaders, we have a duty and responsibility to guide our people even as we wait for the decision of the Party. If you want to work with opposition just declare and go,” he challenged.
Wandayi told the congregation that the political landscape in the country had narrowed to two formations, that of President William Ruto and the other of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and urged residents not to be swayed by those bringing confusion.
“We must clear the confusion some people are bringing. We shall deal with it, and I will lead from the front. The Luo community must remain intact under the Broad-based government,” he said.
Wandayi, who was accompanied by Legislators Joshua Oron (Kisumu Central), Maryanne Kittany (Aldai), Anthony Oluoch (Mathare), Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili and a host of Members of the County Assembly, insisted the region would not walk away from the Broad-based government.
“A good friend can be seen at the time of need. President Ruto stood with Raila Odinga in 2007 until he became a Prime Minister. We also recently saw how he gave our fallen leader a state burial and top national honours. Therefore, we must remain firm and support him,” he said.
Wandayi said President Ruto had further given leaders from the region space, freedom and power to deliver development programmes, rooting for his reelection come 2027.
Dr. Oron assured residents that the community was firmly aligned with the Broad-based government.
“Raila left the Party in government, and that is where we are and where we would be. We will support the government till and beyond 2027,” he said.
Aldai MP Maryanne Kittany, said the unity between UDA and ODM had seen more Luo leaders working within government, pointing to Wandayi and National Treasury Cabinet Secretary (CS), John Mbadi as examples.
“The late PM showed the community direction. To work with William Ruto. We must continue with the same spirit and stick with the Broad-based government. This region will realise more development projects under Ruto,” she said.
Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili, defended the collaboration between ODM and UDA, describing it as strategic and development-oriented.
He called for the strengthening of both ODM and UDA for the benefit of the whole country.
However, the DG differed with the proposed arrangement about 2027, saying the Broad-based government was based on a ten-point agenda.
“The 10-point Agenda the Party signed with UDA, does not talk about supporting President Ruto’s re-election in 2027. We must be very clear about that,” he said.
By Chris Mahandara
