A fierce political storm is brewing around Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, with a section of activists calling for his resignation—demands that his allies have now strongly rebuffed as premature, politically motivated, and a deliberate attempt to derail reforms in Kenya’s energy sector.
The calls intensified last week following a shake-up that saw several senior energy officials step aside amid allegations of sabotage linked to an artificial oil supply shortage. Among those affected were Joe Sang of the Kenya Pipeline Company, Daniel Kiptoo, and Energy Principal Secretary Mohammed Liban.
However, pressure from activist groups, including factions aligned with Bunge la Wananchi, demanding Wandayi’s exit has sparked a political backlash from his supporters and key leaders within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Leaders from Siaya County Assembly, spearheaded by Speaker George Okode, convened a press conference where they mounted a spirited defense of the embattled CS. They dismissed the resignation calls as a “witch-hunt” lacking factual basis and warned critics against undermining ongoing reforms in the energy docket.
“Hon. Wandayi should be allowed to focus on delivering electricity access and stabilizing the sector instead of being dragged into politically charged distractions,” one leader stated.
Before his Cabinet appointment, Wandayi served as the Member of Parliament for Ugunja Constituency, where he built a reputation as a hands-on development champion. His tenure was marked by infrastructure expansion, education support programs, and grassroots empowerment initiatives.
Since taking over the Energy Ministry, pundits describe him as a “workaholic” and “go-getter,” citing his aggressive push for last-mile electricity connectivity and modernization of Kenya’s power distribution systems—key pillars for industrial growth.
A close ally within ODM’s inner circles, Wandayi has remained vocal in supporting President William Ruto’s administration, consistently affirming that the government is on track in delivering its development promises.
He has also reiterated his focus on public service over political ambition, emphasizing his commitment to working collaboratively with the President to transform both Ugunja and the nation at large.
Wandayi’s defenders maintain that he has no direct link to the ongoing energy sector scandal and argue that those implicated have already stepped aside to allow due legal process to take its course.
They are now urging the CS to stay the course and ignore what they term as “noise from detractors,” insisting that his leadership is critical at a time when Kenya is pushing for energy stability and expanded access.
As investigations into the alleged sabotage continue, the political undertones surrounding the controversy are becoming increasingly evident. For Wandayi, the coming weeks will be crucial—not just in navigating the crisis, but in proving whether his reform agenda can withstand the mounting pressure.
For now, his allies remain resolute: the calls for resignation, they say, are not about accountability—but politics.
From the Dalanews Newsdesk, additional reporting by Samson Wire
