Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has declared that the ODM Party will remain in government until 2027 and beyond.
Speaking on Friday, October 17, Wandayi affirmed that the late ODM leader Raila Odinga entrusted them to continue working within the government led by President William Ruto.
"Baba has left us in government led by President Ruto and that is where we are going to stay till the end. I can dare say with no fear of contradiction that we shall walk step by step with President Ruto to the end, now and beyond 2027," he said.
However, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi took issue with Wandayi's statement, urging him to focus on mourning Raila instead of making political declarations.
"It is not proper for some ODM leaders to come to Baba’s funeral crying that Raila Odinga left Nyanza people in the government. Let us mourn first, then tell us where he left you.
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"And if indeed he left you in the government, why should you shout at the top of your voices? I thought when Baba says left, it’s left; right, it’s right. It should flow smoothly," he said.
This comes months after Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi also stated that ODM intends to support Ruto's re-election bid in the 2027 elections.
Speaking in Kericho on October 17, 2024, Wandayi emphasized that ODM's collaboration with Ruto is steadfast and will extend beyond the upcoming elections.
"I believe that our political partnership will hold strong beyond 2027. We have decided to work with President William Ruto and will stay committed to that cause. We are part and parcel of the government and the government's foundations remain strong.
"It's our responsibility to ensure the government remains strong. Let us keep supporting the president so that he can continue leading the government even beyond the next elections. I come from Siaya, Nyanza and we are known to make firm decisions and stand by them. We have decided to work with the president. In the event you hear noises, don't be troubled, even one bit," he said.
Wandayi further explained that his decision to join Ruto's government was driven by national interests.
"I was in the opposition. However, the country is more important than individuals or political parties. That is why, when President William Ruto invited me to join his government, I accepted without hesitation," he remarked.
Around the same time, Kisumu Senator Prof. Tom Ojienda said that the ODM Party plans to support Ruto’s bid for a second term.
In an interview on Thursday, December 9, Ojienda stated that ODM's support for Ruto will come as part of a broader coalition agreement that may include having a running mate from ODM.
"ODM will support President Ruto for a second term; it will be a major player. The coalition agreement may include a possibility of having a deputy president from ODM," he stated.
