Advertisement

Ruto stands firm on Mbadi and Wandayi appointments despite ally protests

Ruto stands firm on Mbadi and Wandayi appointments despite ally protests
President William Ruto at a past event. PHOTO/@WilliamsRuto/X

President William Ruto has strongly defended his decision to appoint ODM lawmakers John Mbadi as Treasury Cabinet Secretary and James Opiyo Wandayi as Energy Cabinet Secretary, despite facing criticism from some of his political allies.

Speaking during a development tour in Migori County on Monday, May 5, 2025, Ruto dismissed critics who questioned the inclusion of opposition leaders in his administration, maintaining that his government represents all Kenyans, regardless of their voting patterns in the last election.

“Some people are angry with me. They ask why I appointed Mbadi as Treasury Cabinet Secretary and why I appointed James Opiyo Wandayi as Energy Cabinet Secretary, yet they didn’t vote for me,” Ruto said.

President William Ruto addresses residents of Rongo town in Migori County. PHOTO/@WilliamsRuto/X

“I have told them that the government of Kenya belongs to all Kenyans — those who voted for me and those who didn’t. All Kenyans pay taxes, isn’t that so?” he added.

The Head of State linked the appointments to his broader agenda of national unity, referencing his agreement with opposition leader Raila Odinga to eliminate politics of hatred, tribalism, and division.

“You all know that Baba and I agreed to remove politics of hatred, tribalism, and division. We want to unite Kenya so that no part of the country is left behind,” Ruto stated.

Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi
Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi. PHOTO/@OpiyoWandayi/X

“I ask you, people of Migori, did we make a mistake by uniting this Kenya?” he posed.

Focus on development

In his address, Ruto also highlighted development projects planned for Migori County, announcing that his administration has allocated Ksh2 billion in the budget for electricity connection in the region, with additional funds planned for the next financial year to complete all outstanding road projects.

“We have put in the budget two billion shillings for the people of Migori to push electricity this year, and we will add more next year until we complete all roads in Migori,” he said.

Ruto further emphasised the importance of focusing on key priority areas, including food security, agricultural markets, and education, revealing that his government has hired 76,000 teachers in the last two years and plans to recruit an additional 20,000 teachers this year.

“I have told our CS, John Mbadi, to allocate another Ksh2 billion to ensure that this year we hire another 20,000 teachers. No child in Kenya should miss school because education is what gives every Kenyan child an equal chance in life,” he stated.

Treasury CS John Mbadi during a meeting on Tuesday September 24, 2024. PHOTO/@KeTreasury/X
Treasury CS John Mbadi during a meeting on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. PHOTO/@KeTreasury/X

He urged Kenyans to remain focused on development, rather than political wrangles.

“We must plan how to help our farmers produce food and access markets so their crops don’t go to waste. We must make sure our children go to school. That’s what is important now,” he said.

Author

For these and more credible stories, join our revamped Telegram and WhatsApp channels.
Advertisement