“You Call It Campaign, I call it My Right!” – Wandayi States Defending Political Involvement
Opiyo Wandayi, the Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary, has defended his continued political activity despite his position in government.
Wandayi stated that his acts are legal and intended at alerting Kenyans about the administration’s activities.
In an interview with Citizen TV on Tuesday, Wandayi denied that his public appearances were early campaigns for President William Ruto’s re-election.
He insisted that his responsibility was to promote the government’s successes, leaving the final decision to Kenyans.
Yvonne: Have you been campaigning for President Ruto?
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) February 24, 2026
CS Opiyo Wandayi: You may choose to call it campaign but the fact is that I have been explaining to Kenyans what the government of President Ruto is doing for them and that if they feel satisfied, they vote for him again… pic.twitter.com/Ep2yqIhfbO
“You may choose to call it a campaign, but the fact is that I have been explaining to Kenyans what the government of President Ruto is doing for them and that if they feel satisfied, they vote for him again,” Wandayi stated.
At the same time, the CS reaffirmed his commitment to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), stating that he remains a lifelong member of the party.
“I am a life member of ODM and continue to participate actively in the affairs of the party,” he noted.
CS Opiyo Wandayi: I am a life member of ODM and continue to participate actively in the affairs of the party. There is this misplaced notion that CSs should not participate in the affairs of political parties. The constitution recognizes that CSs have the right to engage in… pic.twitter.com/rzpcqg4EBt
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) February 24, 2026
“There is this misplaced notion that CSs should not participate in the affairs of political parties. The Constitution recognizes that CSs have the right to engage in political affairs.”
Section 77(2) of the Constitution forbids state officers from holding political party positions.
However, Section 23 of the Leadership and Integrity Act allows Cabinet Secretaries to maintain political opinions while remaining nonpartisan in the performance of their official duties.
Wandayi also defended the government’s record, citing progress in the energy industry.
“From August 2022 to date, we have connected 1.3 million households to electricity, a 15% jump from where it was; it’s monumental,” he stated.
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“We have seen many other things happening under this administration; therefore, I don’t think it is proper to even imagine that government work has been hampered in any way as a result of the activities that are going on out there.”
Wandayi also reflected on the passing of longstanding ODM party leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, noting a sense of grief among his allies.
“Most of us who were Raila’s political disciples feel orphaned,” he stated.
“His passing on was unexpected, and so we are still trying to cope with that situation, but again, life must go on because we owe it to Kenyans to perpetuate Baba’s legacy by serving Kenyans.”
“You Call It Campaign, I call it My Right!” – Wandayi States Defending Political Involvement
