Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi in Ugunja August 16, 2024.IMAGE: Courtesy
In Summary:
- Newly appointed Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi declares the broad-based government. a turning point for Luo Nyanza politics.
- Wandayi pledges equitable development across Kenya under the broad-based government.
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Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has lauded the recent political truce between President William Ruto and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga as a historic moment in Kenyan politics.
Speaking at a welcoming ceremony in Ugunja, Wandayi emphasized the significance of this alliance for the Luo Nyanza region.
“We want to thank President William Ruto for taking the necessary steps to unite Kenyans assisted by our leader Raila Amollo Odinga,” Wandayi stated. He added emphatically, “We can’t forget this historic moment that has occurred between President Ruto and Raila.”
The newly appointed CS was resolute about the implications of this political shift:
“For us this is the turning point. We are saying in one accord as members of this community that never again shall we find ourselves outside government.”
Wandayi committed to ensuring that the broad-based government’s development agenda would be inclusive.
“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 promised.
Migori Senator Eddy Oketch echoed this sentiment, praising the inclusive approach:
“This is a very big inspiration for the people of Ugunja. They have blessed their son to work for the people of Kenya. This is the equal opportunity idea that I have been talking about.”
Wandayi’s appointment is part of a wider inclusion of ODM officials in the government, following recent youth-led protests.
However, the political realignment has faced criticism, with Raila Odinga defending the collaboration by revealing that former President Uhuru Kenyatta had encouraged the reconciliation with Ruto.