Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has once again renewed his call for unwavering support for President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 General Election, signalling a continued shift in political realignments within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Speaking during a fundraiser at St. Monica Nyamasaria Catholic Church in Kisumu County on Sunday, Wandayi underscored ODM’s commitment to working with the Kenya Kwanza administration in honour of what he described as the late Raila Odinga’s unifying legacy.
Wandayi said the former Prime Minister believed in fostering national cohesion through strategic partnerships with government — a political vision he insists must not be abandoned following Odinga’s passing.
“To honour him, we should not deviate from the path he left us. That is the path that will unite all Kenyans,” Wandayi told congregants. He added that all those who stood with Raila Odinga over the years should now rally behind President Ruto’s leadership and vision.
The CS further drew a bold contrast between the emerging political factions, urging ODM supporters to make a strategic choice ahead of the next polls.
“There are only two formations going into 2027 — President William Ruto or Rigathi Gachagua. Ruto is our friend. Let us have our own issues, but we must agree that he is our friend,” he said.
Wandayi insisted that unity, especially among ODM strongholds, would be crucial in determining the next occupant of State House.
“We have to stay united and vote as a bloc because that is the only way our vote will count,” he added.
His remarks come at a time when jitters have been brewing within ODM following the death of Raila Odinga. Without its long-time leader, internal debates over the party’s direction have intensified, with factions pulling in different directions on matters of succession and political alliances.
Meanwhile, ODM Deputy Party Leader and Kisii Governor Simba Arati has sought to calm fears of a complete political shift, clarifying that ODM will remain part of the broad-based government until 2027 but has not joined the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
Arati maintained that the party’s participation in the government is anchored on principle — not political absorption.
“ODM’s involvement in the broad-based arrangement does not mean it has joined Kenya Kwanza. We remain an independent political party committed to defending justice and transparency,” he stated.
With less than two years to the polls, the political atmosphere within Raila’s former strongholds remains fluid — and Wandayi’s latest remarks are likely to further shape conversations around succession, alliances, and the future of ODM.
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