Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has explained his past criticism of the government, asserting that much of it was conceived from having scant information on government projects and development agendas.

Speaking during a live TV interview on Monday, June 9, 2025, Wandayi, who was a staunch critic of President William Ruto’s administration prior to joining the broad-based government, stated that he now has a deep understanding of most government policies as a government insider.

He cited a case of the government-to-government (G2G) agreement, which regulates how the government engages prospective oil partners, which he vehemently objected to but now considers critical in helping the government stabilise its forex exchange and enable a constant supply of the product, among other gains.

“When you are in opposition, you criticise on the basis of the information you have. Which, many times, is based on very scant information.  Now that I’m an insider in government and leading in the petroleum and energy docket, I understand that the G2G is a smart move.” He said

Wandayi, who served as the Leader of the Minority coalition in parliament, further claimed that he had no obligation to support the government and defend its policies while holding the role for the opposition.

“The leader of the minority or opposition has no obligation to support government positions and policies.  And therefore, he would use the information provided to him on the face of it,” he stated.

It is, however, my duty now as a government to understand issues around my docket. Now, with the benefit of hindsight, I can say the G2G was a smart move for the country,” he asserted.

“The G2G has helped save on foreign exchange and helped our country survive the difficult time,” he opined.

The CS also waded into the controversial death of Albert Omondi Ojwang, a popular X influencer, who died in custody at Central Police Station, Nairobi, on Sunday, June 8, 2025.

Wandayi acknowledged the public’s anger but urged restraint after an initial report from the National Police Service (NPS) claimed that the deceased sustained fatal head injuries by striking his head against the cell wall.

“I want to appreciate the fact that as we speak, we aren’t privy to all the details surrounding his untimely or unfortunate demise… I can say for now is to basically appeal for calm as we await these investigations to be completed. Until and unless you get to understand the circumstances first and foremost surrounding his arrest and how eventually he met his death, it’s going to be very difficult to comment,” he said.