President William Ruto has addressed criticism over the appointment of John Mbadi as the Cabinet Secretary for Treasury and Opiyo Wandayi as the CS for Energy and Petroleum.
Speaking in Migori on Monday, May 5, Ruto noted that critics are displeased with his choices since both Mbadi and Wandayi were part of the opposition and did not support his presidential bid.
However, he defended the appointments, emphasizing that leadership should transcend political affiliations and serve all citizens equally.
“Some people are angry with me, asking why I appointed John Mbadi as the Cabinet Secretary for Treasury and Opiyo Wandayi as the CS for Energy and Petroleum, yet they never voted for me.
“My response is simple; the government of Kenya belongs to all Kenyans, both those who voted and those who didn’t,” he said.
The President has been working with the leaders from ODM party led by Raila Odinga, his main opponent in the 2022 elections.
He has termed this working arrangement broad-based.
At least five Cabinet Secretaries belong to the ODM party, including Hassan Joho (Mining), Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives) and Beatrice Askul (ASAL).
Earlier, Ruto had fired a political salvo at his 2027 opponents, insisting that the next general election will not be defined by tribalism, anger, or hatred.
Speaking in Rongo in Homa Bay, he challenged his opponents to identify a clear agenda upon which they will seek the country’s leadership, rather than relying on hatred or negative ethnicity.
“They must not think they can sell us anger, tribalism, hatred, and divisions. These will not determine the next election,” President Ruto told the opposition.
The President emphasised that Kenyans will make their decisions based on the manifestos of leaders who offer a solid development programme.
“You are the people who will decide who becomes MCA, MP, Senator, Governor, and President — not based on beauty, but on development plans for roads, electricity, water, and more,” Ruto said.
