Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has called on ODM members to rally behind President William Ruto as the country heads toward the 2027 General Election. Speaking in Kisumu, Wandayi said the move would honor the late Raila Odinga’s legacy of unity and cooperation with government remarks that have stirred fresh debate within the ODM ranks.
Highlights
- CS Wandayi urges ODM to support President Ruto in the 2027 elections.
- Says supporting Ruto honors Raila Odinga’s mission to unite Kenyans.
- Calls for unity among ODM supporters to “vote as a bloc.”
- ODM Deputy Leader Simba Arati insists the party remains independent.
- Growing tension within ODM over its direction after Raila’s passing.
Main Story
Wandayi’s Call for Unity Behind Ruto
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has reiterated his support for President William Ruto’s leadership, urging members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to rally behind the head of state in the upcoming 2027 polls.
Addressing a fundraiser in Kisumu County on Sunday, Wandayi said the late Raila Odinga’s vision of national unity should be honored by continuing collaboration with the government.
“To honor him, we should not deviate from the path he left us. That is the path that will unite all Kenyans,” Wandayi said, emphasizing that cooperation with Ruto’s administration would preserve Odinga’s legacy.
Backing Ruto Over Political Division
The CS further stated that the 2027 election would be defined by two dominant camps one led by President Ruto and the other by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. He urged ODM supporters to consolidate their votes behind Ruto, calling him “a friend” of the party.
“We have our own issues, yes, but we must agree that Ruto is our friend,” he said. “We have to stay united and vote as a bloc because that is the only way our vote will count.”
ODM Leaders React
Wandayi’s comments come at a time when ODM is grappling with internal uncertainty following the passing of its long-time leader, Raila Odinga. Some members have expressed discomfort with the growing closeness between ODM figures and the Kenya Kwanza government.
ODM Deputy Party Leader and Kisii Governor Simba Arati has maintained that the party’s collaboration with the government is part of a “broad-based” political arrangement but not an alliance.
“ODM remains an independent political party committed to justice, transparency, and good governance,” Arati stated, clarifying that the partnership does not signal a merger with Kenya Kwanza.
Read Also:
As ODM navigates life after Raila Odinga, the party faces a defining question will unity come through loyalty to legacy, or alignment with power?
