I can't criticise Ruto while in government, Energy CS Wandayi tells ODM critics

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has dismissed criticism from some Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders, asserting that his role in President William Ruto’s administration is to implement government projects, not to serve as an opposition voice.

Wandayi argued that those in ODM who wish to criticise the Kenya Kwanza administration should continue doing so but should not expect him to join them, terming such expectations as unreasonable.

“There is a time for everything. Nobody has stopped you — those outside the Cabinet — from criticising the government. You can continue doing so until the cows come home,” Wandayi said during a burial ceremony in Muhola Village, Siaya County on Saturday.

“But don’t expect me to join you in criticising the executive. That is not my role.”

Without naming specific individuals, Wandayi appeared to target Siaya Governor James Orengo and ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, who have openly criticised ODM leaders now serving in the government. The two leaders recently condemned what they termed as betrayal by their colleagues in government, particularly in light of alleged human rights violations and the rising cost of living.

“You don’t expect me to be an opposition figure within the Kenya Kwanza government,” Wandayi said.

Focus

“I encourage those who have taken up the role of opposition to continue, but let me focus on executing my duties.”

Wandayi emphasised that his current role as a Cabinet Secretary involves working within the government to deliver on its mandate. He noted that his years as the National Assembly Minority Leader gave him a deep understanding of oversight and critique.

“In my former life, I was a master at critiquing. They can’t do it better than I did. Now it’s time to work, and they should allow us to deliver,” he said.

He added that Kenya’s economy is on a positive trajectory, citing a recent credit rating by Moody’s, which highlighted potential improvements in liquidity and debt management.

“The government has done everything possible to ensure the economy is back on track,” Wandayi said.

He credited Kenya Kwanza policies for recent agricultural successes, including sufficient maize and sugar production to meet local demand without imports.

Maize and sugar

“For the first time in years, the country produced enough maize and sugar for local consumption, with a surplus for export,” he said.

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• I can't criticise Ruto while in government
• Energy CS Wandayi tells ODM critics

Wandayi further addressed criticism from opposition leaders, asserting that his position provides him with ample avenues to address any issues within the government.

“As a Cabinet Secretary, I can raise concerns through appropriate channels without resorting to public criticism,” he said.

He dismissed accusations of sycophancy, saying critics would eventually be judged by their actions.

“At the hour of reckoning, the people will differentiate the talkers from the doers,” he said.

Wandayi was among several ODM leaders, including Treasury CS John Mbadi, MSME’s CS Wycliffe Oparanya, Mining CS Hassan Joho, and Beatrice Askul, who left their party leadership roles to join Ruto’s administration.

Their decision to align with the government has been met with sharp criticism from some ODM leaders, who accuse them of abandoning the party’s principles.

Despite the backlash, Wandayi maintained that his focus remains on implementing policies that benefit Kenyans, highlighting his commitment to the government’s agenda.