Voters Will Reject Leaders Opposed to Broad-Based Government, Says Wandayi

Kenya, 14 December 2025 - Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum James Opiyo Wandayi has issued a sharp political warning to leaders opposing Kenya’s broad-based government arrangement, arguing that resistance to the initiative could prove costly at the ballot in the 2027 General Election.

Speaking on Sunday in Ugunja, CS Wandayi framed the broad-based government as an irreversible political reality whose success will ultimately be judged by voters.

He maintained that Kenyans are closely observing political alignments and rhetoric ahead of 2027.

“Kenyans are keenly watching talks and political stands of certain leaders in this country, and I am sure the noisy characters will be judged accordingly by electorates at the 2027 ballot,” Wandayi said.

Wandayi strongly defended the move by the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who during his lifetime allowed the so-called "ODM technocrats" to work within President William Ruto’s administration, describing the move as a pragmatic strategy aimed at stabilising the country and promoting national unity.

According to the CS, Odinga’s cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza government was neither a betrayal nor a mistake but a calculated intervention to steer the country away from ethnic polarisation and political instability.

“There is no error done by Raila when he left us in the hands of President Ruto,” Wandayi said, urging critics within ODM strongholds to rethink their opposition while “room for favour is not yet closed.”

Wandayi argued that political dynamics in Nyanza are shifting, with the region gradually gaining influence within the current administration.

He cited increased government investment and political accommodation as evidence that the region stands to benefit from engagement rather than opposition.

He pointed to major development projects, including the release of KSh 1 billion for the completion of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium and construction of a Level 5 hospital in Siaya, as well as the commissioning of the KSh 1.2 billion Ugunja–Sega–Ukwala water project.

“We owe Ruto, and the debt should be paid in 2027,” Wandayi said, suggesting that electoral support should reflect development gains delivered under the current administration.

The CS cited the political rise of the newly elected and sworn-in Ugunja MP Moses Omondi as evidence that the broad-based government model is electorally viable even in regions that traditionally opposed the ruling coalition.

“Moses is a product of the broad-based government and a clear testimony that the future is bright with the initiative,” Wandayi said, warning that leaders who oppose the arrangement “may have difficulties retaining their seats after the 2027 elections.”

He added that President Ruto had little electoral backing in the Luo community during the 2022 election but nonetheless extended political goodwill by accommodating ODM allies in government.