Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi addressing the media in Kisumu on October 6 /HANDOUTEnergy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has called for unity among leaders and residents of Nyanza as the region prepares to mark the first anniversary of the death of former ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Wandayi said the commemoration, including the unveiling of Odinga’s mausoleum in Bondo, should be marked with dignity and provide an opportunity for the region to come together.
He said leaders should set aside their differences and work together in honouring Odinga’s legacy as they also prepare for the 2027 general election.
“The most important thing is to ensure this commemoration of the first anniversary of Baba’s demise happens in a dignified manner and that everybody gets to feel that they fully belong,” Wandayi said.
The CS said ODM would maintain its partnership with President William Ruto’s UDA under the broad-based government arrangement, dismissing suggestions that the alliance was coming to an end.
“We are in partnership with UDA under the broad-based arrangement. So we intend to keep it that way. One thing we have to do is to walk together,” he said.
Wandayi said leaders in the region had a responsibility to work together and support Ruto’s leadership.
“We are solidly behind our President’s leadership, and we shall all work to ensure that he serves a second term come August next year,” he said.
He also appealed to divergent voices within the political movement to return to the fold, saying the door remained open to those willing to work with the wider team.
“If anybody says, ‘Come back,’ we shall welcome you,” Wandayi said.
The CS, however, said those returning would be expected to work within the agreed framework and support the decisions of the wider team.
Wandayi also urged residents to prepare for the 2027 elections by acquiring national identity cards and registering as voters.
He said the region needed to ensure that every eligible voter was registered and subsequently turned out in large numbers during the elections.
Wandayi said the mobilisation should not end with voter registration, urging those already registered to turn out and vote when Kenyans go to the polls next August.
“When the votes are counted, our votes will make a difference,” he said.
His remarks come as ODM leaders in Nyanza intensify preparations for the first anniversary of Odinga’s death, with the unveiling of his mausoleum expected to draw leaders and supporters from across the country.
Wandayi said the commemoration should therefore be used to strengthen unity rather than deepen divisions within the region.
