Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has reaffirmed his commitment to working with President William Ruto, declaring that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will remain part of government through the 2027 elections and beyond.
Speaking in Ugunja on October 17, Wandayi said the decision was rooted in what he described as the late Raila Odinga’s final political wish — that the party should continue collaborating with Ruto’s administration.
“Baba has left us in government led by President Ruto and that is where we are going to stay till the end,” Wandayi said. “We shall walk step by step with President Ruto to the end, now and beyond 2027.”
Wandayi, who also serves as ODM’s de facto political leader following Odinga’s death, said his choice was both personal and representative of his supporters. “I remain a committed ODM member, but I have decided to work with President Ruto until the very end. Come 2027, I will support him for a second term. That reflects the will of my supporters,” he said.
He added that Raila had endorsed Ruto as a trusted ally before his passing, describing the partnership as a continuation of the late leader’s legacy.
However, not all within ODM agree. Saboti MP Caleb Amisi criticised Wandayi for using Odinga’s funeral to make political pronouncements. “It is not proper for some ODM leaders to come to Baba’s funeral crying that Raila left Nyanza people in government. Let us mourn first,” Amisi said.
Wandayi has previously said his decision to join Ruto’s government was driven by national interest rather than party politics. “The country is more important than individuals or political parties. When the president invited me to join his government, I accepted without hesitation,” he said.
