Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has defended his active participation in political affairs, insisting that his actions are legal and aimed at keeping Kenyans informed about government work.
Speaking in an interview on Citizen TV on Tuesday, Wandayi dismissed suggestions that his public engagements were early campaigning for President William Ruto's re-election.
He said his focus is on explaining the administration’s achievements, leaving voters to make their own decisions.
"You may choose to call it a campaign, but the fact is that I have been explaining to Kenyans what the government of President Ruto is doing for them and that if they feel satisfied, they vote for him again," he stated.
Despite serving in government, Wandayi emphasized his loyalty to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), asserting that he remains an active lifelong member.
"I am a life member of ODM and continue to participate actively in the affairs of the party. There is this misplaced notion that CSs should not participate in the affairs of political parties. The Constitution recognizes that CSs have the right to engage in political affairs," he noted.
Kenya’s Constitution under Section 77(2) bars state officers from holding any position in a political party. However, Section 23 of the Leadership and Integrity Act allows Cabinet Secretaries to hold political opinions while requiring them to stay non-partisan in their official duties.
Wandayi also highlighted the government’s accomplishments in the energy sector, citing progress in expanding electricity access across the country.
"From August 2022 to date, we have connected 1.3 million households to electricity, a 15% jump from where it was; it’s monumental. We have seen many other things happening under this administration; therefore, I don’t think it is proper to even imagine that government work has been hampered in any way as a result of the activities that are going on out there," he said.
Reflecting on the death of longtime ODM leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Wandayi described the loss felt by party members and their efforts to carry on his legacy.
"Most of us who were Raila’s political disciples feel orphaned. His passing on was unexpected, and so we are still trying to cope with that situation, but again, life must go on because we owe it to Kenyans to perpetuate Baba’s legacy by serving Kenyans," he stated.
