Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has defended his recent public engagements amid questions over whether he has been campaigning for President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV on Wednesday night, Wandayi dismissed claims that his activities amount to premature campaigning.
He said his focus has been to explain government programmes to citizens and allow them to make their own judgment.
“You may choose to call it 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 said.
The CS maintained that communicating government achievements is part of his responsibility as a member of the Cabinet. He argued that informing the public about policy decisions and development initiatives should not be misinterpreted as political mobilisation.
Wandayi also addressed concerns about his continued involvement in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) while serving in government. He described himself as a life member of the party and said he remains active in its affairs.
“I am a life member of ODM and continue to participate actively in the affairs of the party,” he stated.
According to Wandayi, there is a “misplaced notion” that Cabinet Secretaries are barred from engaging in political party matters. He said the Constitution guarantees political rights to all citizens, including those serving in the executive.
“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 added.
His remarks come at a time when political realignments and early positioning for 2027 are beginning to take shape across the country. ODM, traditionally in opposition, has recently witnessed internal debate over its relationship with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
While some critics argue that senior government officials should maintain strict neutrality, others contend that political engagement is inevitable in a system where Cabinet Secretaries are presidential appointees.