‘We Won’t Ever Be Outside Gov’t’ – Newly Appointed CS Declares, Terms It ‘Historic Moment’
Opiyo Wandayi, the newly appointed Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary, has declared a political truce between President William Ruto and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga, marking a historic moment and turning point in Luo Nyanza politics.
Wandayi declared that the Luo Nyanza region had been denied representation in government for far too long and that in the future, the region would not be left out in the cold.
He was speaking in Ugunja on Friday during his welcome party, where his constituents celebrated his appointment to the cabinet.
“We want to say that as we start this journey, we are going to ensure that whatever development agenda that we have as a government is an agenda that we will extend to every corner of this country without exception,” he stated.
Opiyo Wandayi shares light moments with residents of Siaya County as he takes the stage
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Kenyatta University Imenti House Herpes KES 5.15 #RutoLiesAllTheTime Jeff Kinange Lil Wayne #CarrefourKenya Premier League Chelsea Eldoret #KenyaMusicFestival State Concert #RutoLaunchedIt… pic.twitter.com/mkHVEwCr8f
During his remarks, Wandayi used the opportunity to assure Kenyans that the newly formed broad-based government will deliver development equitably to all regions in Kenya.
Migori Senator Eddy Oketch spoke to journalists at the homecoming ceremony, praising the broad-based government.
Senator Oketch stated that President William Ruto’s move will help the country cement its national unity.
“This is a very big inspiration for the people of Ugunja. They have blessed their son to work for the people of Kenya,” the senator stated.
“This is the equal opportunity idea that I have been talking about. The idea that everyone can serve in government, not only the people of their community but all the people of Kenya.”
Wandayi is one of four senior ODM party officials tapped by President William Ruto to join his administration following a wave of youth-led protests.
The Ugunja MP and outgoing National Assembly Minority Leader is one of Raila’s closest allies, having supported him despite the former premier’s defeat in the 2022 presidential election.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has arrived at the Kisumu International Airport, ahead of his visit to Siaya County for his thanksgiving prayers. pic.twitter.com/glS4lzvylQ
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Despite the formation of the broad-based government, which was intended to reduce political tensions in the country, Raila has continued to face criticism for aligning himself with President William Ruto.
So much criticism has been directed at Odinga that he was forced to reveal earlier this week that former President Uhuru Kenyatta asked him to contact President William Ruto.
The call was made to find ways to reduce political tensions during the height of the Gen Z protests.
However, Uhuru’s close ally, Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, came out a day later to criticize Raila for misleading the public.
Kioni refuted the position, emphasizing that it was not an accurate reflection of events.
‘We Won’t Ever Be Outside Gov’t’ – Newly Appointed CS Declares, Terms It ‘Historic Moment’
