I'm not a beneficiary of Gen Z protests, Wandayi clarifies

Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary nominee Opiyo Wandayi has denied claims that him and other ODM nominees are beneficiaries of the Gen Z protests.

Explaining himself before the National Assembly Committee on Appointments on Saturday, Wandayi noted that the issues raised by the youths were of much importance and required an urgent response from the government.

"I am very clear in my mind, extremely clear, because I've been in this space for quite some time. The Gen Zs, or the youth, were not raising any different issues from the issues we have raised over the years. They could've had a different style, but the issues they were raising were pertinent, which we all agree must be dealt with," Wandayi noted.

However, he noted that the issues raised must be addressed in the new broad-based government adopted by President William Ruto, which now includes both sides of the political divide.

The former Minority Leader was responding to a question raised by Kathiani MP Robert Mbui who wanted him to tell a section of Kenyans that believe that he took advantage of the Gen Z protests so that he could negotiate his way into government.

At the same time, Wandayi commended the Head of State for his appointment to cabinet, noting there was a need for a balance in making government appointments.

"First and foremost, I never applied to join the Executive. I was pleasantly surprised and felt greatly honoured that my name was recommended and the President went ahead to nominate me," he added.

Wandayi was among the four Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leaders nominated to the position of Cabinet Secretary by President  Ruto.

He was nominated alongside John Mbadi (Treasury), Hassan Joho (Mining), and Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives). Following his appointment to the cabinet, Wandayi recently announced his decision to step down as ODM's Secretary for Political Affairs.