- Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi has pledged unwavering support for President William Ruto, citing a mandate from his Ugunja constituents
- He affirmed that Raila Odinga endorsed collaboration with Ruto before his passing, positioning the broad-based government as the rightful political path until 2027 and beyond
- Wandayi vowed to back Ruto in 2027 regardless of ODM’s stance, suggesting he would differ from the party should it choose a different direction far from his
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has affirmed his decision to continue working with President William Ruto, stating that his supporters in Ugunja have given him their blessing.
Source: Twitter
Speaking in Ugunja, Siaya County, on Saturday, November 8, Wandayi said he was acting on the directive of his constituents to partner with the president through 2027 and beyond.
He added that Raila Odinga left his supporters within the broad-based government, and that is where they intend to remain focused.
“I want to thank President William Ruto for choosing to work with our leader, Raila Odinga. Before his passing, Baba Raila Amolo Odinga showed us the path of development and political direction we ought to have followed. He urged us to continue working with the president,” he said.
Will Opiyo Wandayi abide by ODM’s choice for 2027?
But on the anticipation that the ODM party might choose not to support Ruto in 2027, Wandayi made it clear that he will stick with Ruto’s side.
Should the party choose to chart a different path, he and his supporters will remain in the president’s fold.
“Let me say this: while in Ugunja, we made a firm resolve. Our current leader, Oburu Oginga, will continue serving in the party leadership, and I remain a committed ODM member. However, on my behalf, and on behalf of my many supporters. I have decided to work with President Ruto until the very end. Personally, I have made up my mind; come 2027, I will support Ruto for his second term. That is my decision, and it reflects the will of my supporters.
Why Opiyo Wandayi won’t leave Ruto’s side
Wandayi explained that Raila had endorsed the partnership with Ruto before his passing, describing the president as one of the late ODM leader’s true friends.
Source: Twitter
He cited the 2007 general election, noting that Ruto stood firmly by Raila during the post-election crisis.
Wandayi even credited Ruto with securing Raila’s premiership, saying it was Ruto who pushed for the position after Raila’s stolen victory.
For that reason, the Cabinet Secretary vowed to remain in Ruto’s camp, framing it as a gesture of loyalty and reciprocation.
“I have walked with Baba for many years. He visited Ugunja frequently. I can say without fear of contradiction that Ruto stood with us during the challenges of 2007. He stood with Raila when the post-election violence erupted. We had won the election, but it was stolen. Despite all that, Ruto worked hard and helped Raila become Prime Minister,” Wandayi said.
Can ODM produce president in 2027?
Meanwhile, Dennis Onyango, Raila’s longtime communications aide, ruled out the chances of ODM winning the 2027 presidential election if it chooses to participate in it.
Onyango believes ODM’s most viable strategy is to build alliances with political figures who have a stronger electoral appeal.
In light of the current political dynamics, he proposed that the party consider collaborating with either Ruto or former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua.
However, he pointed out that Gachagua’s previous antagonism toward Raila Odinga makes Ruto a more feasible ally.
He further argued that partnering with Gachagua would pose challenges for ODM, especially given the organised framework already established by the United Opposition.
Onyango urged the Luo Nyanza leaders to guide the community toward a well-calculated political direction ahead of the 2027 elections.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
