CS Wandayi Addresses Plans to Vie for President Under ODM in 2027
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has publicly ruled out contesting the presidency in the 2027 General Election, insisting that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) lacks a viable candidate capable of mounting a serious challenge for State House.
Speaking during a televised interview on Ramogi TV on Thursday, Wandayi—who previously served as National Assembly Minority Leader before joining President William Ruto’s Cabinet—said he had no intention of taking on the Head of State at the next polls. He added that he was committed to supporting the Kenya Kwanza administration “beyond 2027”.
“As the ODM party, we have been looking for the presidency for the last five elections, but unfortunately, we have never got it. Now that is water under the bridge,” Wandayi said. He continued, “The question is, is there an ODM member who is ready to vie for the presidency so that we can support him? As for me, I am not ready to vie for the presidency in 2027 — maybe after 2027.”
Wandayi called for a sober reassessment within ODM, warning that internal tensions, public spats, and what he described as “populist grandstanding” were eroding the party’s credibility. He urged leaders to offer meaningful alternatives instead of relying on criticism alone.
“Everyone is allowed to express themselves freely, be it a preacher or even a businessperson,” he said. “But when you talk and criticise something, make sure you provide an alternative so that we can evaluate it and see whether it is viable.”
The CS said his decision to serve in President Ruto’s Cabinet should not be viewed as a betrayal of ODM, stressing that his role was driven by the need to serve the country rather than personal political ambition.
“Our decision to work in the government is not for individual benefit,” he said. “Today, I am a Cabinet Secretary, but tomorrow I might be removed from the position; life must continue.”
Turning to the fast-shifting political landscape ahead of 2027, Wandayi acknowledged what he termed an emerging two-horse race between President Ruto’s camp and a rival faction allied with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. He suggested that ODM currently lacked a clear path to the presidency and should instead consider how best to align itself in the evolving political order.
According to Wandayi, Gachagua’s allies had already begun crafting a distinct political vehicle, leaving ODM with limited strategic options. “Should we, as ODM members or the Luo community, front our own candidate for the presidency in 2027? Or should we continue uniting with Ruto?” he posed. “Because Gachagua and his team have already outlined their plan, and we cannot fit in.”
Wandayi’s remarks are likely to intensify debate within ODM, which has struggled to define its post-Raila Odinga future amid conflicting signals from senior figures and shifting regional alliances. The CS maintained that the party must confront its realities rather than “cling to old assumptions”, warning that failure to adapt could leave ODM sidelined in the next electoral cycle.
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CS Wandayi Addresses Plans to Vie for President Under ODM in 2027