Wandayi dismisses critics of broad-based govt as noisemakers
By Mary Goretty, December 23, 2025Cabinet Secretary for Energy Opiyo Wandayi has hit out at critics of the broad-based government arrangement, dismissing them as noisemakers.
The CS said they were not involved in negotiations that secured the Orange Democratic Movement’s entry into President William Ruto’s administration.
Speaking during interdenominational prayers held at his home in Ugunja on December 23, 2025, Wandayi said the deal that brought ODM into government was negotiated by a small team of trusted leaders.
He maintained that those now publicly questioning the arrangement were absent when the agreement was reached.
“For those making noise out there, some of them I wonder. They were not there when we were negotiating this broad-based government. We were not more than five,” Wandayi said.
He explained that the talks were conducted discreetly and required discipline and trust, arguing that internal dissent should not be driven by individuals who were not part of the process.
According to the CS, the broad-based government was designed to stabilise the country and promote inclusive governance.
Praise for Raila’s negotiation skills
Wandayi praised ODM leader Raila Odinga as a “foremost nationalist and negotiator”, crediting him with securing key positions for the party in an administration ODM had not voted for. He said Raila successfully negotiated six Cabinet slots and several principal secretary positions.
The Energy CS noted that the distribution of the positions reflected national balance and inclusivity, ensuring no region felt excluded. He added that the arrangement demonstrated Raila’s commitment to national unity above partisan interests.
Wandayi argued that the deal strengthened ODM’s influence in government and gave the party an opportunity to advance its agenda from within. He urged party members to appreciate the political reality and focus on delivering for Kenyans rather than engaging in internal wrangles.
2027 talks and call for unity
Looking ahead to the 2027 General Election, Wandayi confirmed that ODM is considering a structured pre-election coalition agreement with the United Democratic Alliance. He said any future negotiations must be guided by mutual respect and compromise.
“Your noise is premature. When the time comes, he will lead us appropriately,” Wandayi said, expressing confidence in Senator Oburu Odinga to spearhead talks when discussions officially begin.
He appealed to ODM parliamentarians to show leadership, accept political realities, and acknowledge President Ruto’s goodwill toward ODM supporters under the broad-based government.
Siaya Senator Moses Kajwang echoed the call for unity, saying that while political strategies may evolve, the party’s core mission must remain unchanged.
At the same event, Bishop Evans Ooko of God’s Miracle Centre Kisumu urged Kenyans to reject political tension and embrace healing, calling on citizens to be “builders and healers” of the nation.