Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has intimated that there is no Luo politician of the current generation who has worked more closely with the late Raila Odinga than him.

While speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Monday, June 1, 2026, the outspoken Energy CS stated that he has been at the side of the late leader for the longest period.

He added that, excluding veteran politicians such as Siaya Governor James Orengo, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, and ODM party leader Oburu Odinga, he is the one among the current crop of leaders who has walked closely with Raila for the longest time.

Wandayi also mentioned Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda, saying that he comes second after him since he once served as Raila’s personal assistant. However, he maintained that there is nobody who has worked more closely with the former Prime Minister than he has.

“Many people talk about Raila, but even in Luo Nyanza, if you leave aside Orengo, Oburu and Anyang’ Nyong’o, there is no other person in the current generation who worked with Baba more closely and for a longer period than me. The other person who can come close is Ochanda, who at one time served as Raila’s personal assistant,” Wandayi stated.

He continued by stating that their political bromance lasted for many years and remained intact even after he was appointed as one of the experts in President William Ruto’s government. According to Wandayi, they still consulted Raila on a wide range of issues despite his new role in government.

Raila’s death

The Cabinet Secretary further revealed that the ultimate demise of Raila in India hit him hard and took a heavy toll on him, adding that he is yet to fully recover from the loss. He described Raila as one of his longest-serving political friends and recalled the emotional scenes that unfolded at the late leader’s Karen home after news of his death broke out.

According to Wandayi, his political relationship with Raila Odinga began in 1992 after he joined the University of Nairobi at a time when the country was witnessing intense agitation for multiparty democracy.

SONU 92

He stated that he was among members of SONU ’92, a movement that was formed by Ruaraka MP TJ Kajwang to fight for democracy. Wandayi added that during that period, he also played a key role in mobilising support for Raila Odinga’s election as Member of Parliament for Lang’ata, including participating in grassroots vote mobilisation efforts.

The CS maintained that his association with Raila spans more than three decades, making him one of the closest political allies the former prime minister had among the current generation of Luo leaders.