Opiyo Wandayi Urges Garsen Residents to Support Ruto’s Re-Election as Government Rolls Out KSh 500 Million Power Project

By Kepher Otieno - Reporter

Kenya, 31 January 2026 - Cabinet Secretary for Energy Opiyo Wandayi has urged residents of Garsen Constituency in Tana River County to support President William Ruto’s re-election in 2027, saying the benefits of working with the government were already visible through major development projects.

Wandayi was speaking during the launch of a Last Mile Power Connectivity Project valued at KSh 500 million, a flagship initiative aimed at increasing electricity access to households, schools, health facilities, and small businesses in the region.

Addressing residents, the Energy CS emphasised the importance of respecting local cultures and working harmoniously with communities, noting that leadership required understanding and aligning with the people’s way of life.

“As leaders, we must respect the culture and values of the people we serve. Development can only succeed when leaders and communities work together.”

Wandayi reaffirmed that leaders allied to the late former Prime Minister and ODM defacto leader Raila Odinga would remain in the broad-based government coalition, explaining that the decision to work with President Ruto’s administration was guided by a cooperation agreement aimed at accelerating development across the country.

“We are following the agreement that Raila Odinga entered into with the government,” he said.

“This cooperation is not about positions or politics of exclusion, but about ensuring Kenyans benefit from development.”

The Energy CS pointed to the last mile electricity project as evidence that the broad-based government was delivering tangible results, particularly in historically marginalized regions such as Tana River.

“Electricity is a key driver of economic growth,” Wandayi said.

“With power connectivity, our people can start businesses, children can study at night, hospitals can function better, and investors can come in. This is the real meaning of development.”

With the 2027 General Election fast approaching, Wandayi openly called on Garsen residents to back President Ruto for a second term, arguing that continuity in leadership would ensure ongoing and future projects are completed.

“I want to ask you to support President William Ruto again in 2027,” he said.

“You can see for yourselves what this government is doing. Let us protect and sustain these gains by working with the government of the day.”

More from Kenya

From Struggle to Success: KSh 2.5 Million Scholarship Lifts Students in Kisumu, Migori and Kericho

China, Somalia Pledge Closer Security, Trade Partnerships

Garsen MP Ali Wario who accompanied the CS, strongly echoed Wandayi’s sentiments, telling residents that aligning with the government had brought enormous benefits to the constituency.

“We have seen firsthand that working with the government pays,” Wario said. “The benefits are enormous — from electricity, roads, water projects, to support for education and health.”

Wario praised President Ruto’s administration for prioritizing development in Tana River County and thanked the state for rolling out the last mile power connections, which he said would transform livelihoods in the area.

“This electricity project will change lives,” the MP said. “Our people will no longer rely on expensive alternatives. Small traders will thrive, young people will create jobs, and our economy will grow.”

The Garsen legislator urged residents to remain united and support the government’s development agenda, saying political cooperation was essential for progress.

“There is no development in opposition for the sake of opposition,” Wario said. “If you want roads, electricity, and opportunities for your children, you must work with the government.

That is why I am calling on my people to support President Ruto’s re-election in 2027.”

Residents who attended the event expressed gratitude to the government for the electricity connections, noting that many villages had waited decades for reliable power supply.

Local leaders and community members said the project would boost education, healthcare delivery, and economic activities such as fishing, agriculture, and small-scale enterprises.

The Sh500 million last mile project is part of the government’s broader plan to achieve universal electricity access and reduce regional disparities, with Tana River among the counties earmarked for accelerated development.

As the political temperature ahead of 2027 begins to rise, Wandayi’s remarks signal a growing push by leaders in the broad-based coalition to rally grassroots support for President Ruto, using development projects as a key pillar of their campaign message.