Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has announced that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will continue supporting President William Ruto’s administration under the leadership of acting party leader Dr. Oburu Odinga. Wandayi said this aligns with the late Raila Odinga’s vision of fostering a broad-based and united government.
Speaking at the late Raila Odinga’s Bondo home ahead of his burial, Wandayi expressed deep gratitude to President Ruto for granting the former Prime Minister a state funeral with full military honors, describing it as an “extraordinary act of respect.”
“I want to thank His Excellency, the President, Dr. William Ruto, for proclaiming a state funeral with full military honours for Baba. That is something we cannot take for granted,” Wandayi stated.
He noted that even Raila’s father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga—the country’s first Vice President—was not accorded similar honors in 1994. Wandayi said the gesture not only honored Raila’s legacy but also uplifted the Jaramogi family and the wider Nyanza community.
The former Minority Leader in the National Assembly emphasized that ODM would remain part of President Ruto’s government, extending cooperation “now and beyond 2027.”
“Baba left us as a people in government led by President Ruto, and that is where we are going to stay till the end,” Wandayi affirmed, urging ODM supporters to uphold unity and support the President in appreciation of the respect shown to their late leader.
He also commended the ODM National Executive Committee for appointing Dr. Oburu Odinga as the acting party leader, describing him as experienced, wise, and composed.
Wandayi further called for a National Delegates Convention (NDC) to formally confirm Dr. Oburu’s appointment, assuring that the party would remain strong, united, and true to Raila Odinga’s ideals under his leadership.
“This region will remain intact within ODM under Oburu Oginga and committed to Raila’s vision,” Wandayi concluded.
