Kisumu: Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has voiced his strong support for President William Ruto’s Broad-based government, emphasizing that the nation stands to reap significant benefits from this political arrangement.
According to Kenya News Agency, Wandayi expressed his commitment to backing President Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027, attributing the country’s current stability and development to the collaboration between Ruto and the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Wandayi highlighted Raila Odinga’s decision to cooperate with President Ruto as a strategic move for the country’s and the Luo community’s best interest. He urged leaders and residents of the Nyanza region to maintain their support for this alliance as the country prepares for the 2027 General Elections. He firmly dismissed any attempts to create confusion among the people, reinforcing the importance of unity under the Broad-based government.
The Energy and Petroleum CS made these remarks against the backdrop of growing tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) concerning the Broad-based government deal. This uncertainty is evident as the party grapples with its future political direction leading up to the 2027 General Election.
Speaking at St. Monica Catholic Church Nyamasaria in Kisumu East Sub-county, Wandayi challenged leaders opposed to the pact to openly declare their stance. He emphasized the duty of government leaders to guide the community and maintain political coherence. He underscored the need to address any confusion within the political landscape, which he described as being divided between President Ruto’s and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s camps.
Accompanied by several legislators and local leaders, Wandayi reiterated the region’s commitment to the Broad-based government. He praised President Ruto for his past support of Raila Odinga and highlighted the state burial and national honors given to the late leader as reasons for continued allegiance to Ruto.
Dr. Joshua Oron, a legislator from Kisumu Central, assured residents of the community’s alignment with the Broad-based government. He affirmed their support for the government, both now and beyond 2027. Similarly, Aldai MP Maryanne Kittany pointed out the increased involvement of Luo leaders in government roles as evidence of the successful unity between UDA and ODM.
Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili defended the strategic collaboration between ODM and UDA, emphasizing its development-oriented nature. However, he clarified that the Broad-based government’s ten-point agenda did not explicitly include supporting Ruto’s re-election in 2027, highlighting the need for transparency regarding the arrangement.
