Energy Cabinet Secretary (CS) Opiyo Wandayi has urged the Nyanza region to “repay” President William Ruto by supporting him in the 2027 general elections. Speaking during the launch of rural electrification projects at Kagito in Uriri Constituency, Migori County, on November 21, 2025, CS Wandayi appealed to residents to unite their votes in favor of President Ruto.
“You understand that we did not vote for President Ruto’s government, but this time round, we must ensure that we put all our votes together and vote for President Ruto,” he said, emphasizing the importance of Nyanza’s participation in Ruto’s re-election bid.
CS Wandayi reminded the residents of President Ruto’s political support for the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga during the 2007 presidential elections. According to Wandayi, Ruto’s backing of Raila, despite the political risks, including his eventual case at The Hague, was a gesture that the Luo community in Nyanza owes him.
“In 2007, when Raila Odinga was campaigning for the presidency, President Ruto stood with Raila. That is even the reason why Ruto was taken to The Hague because of ODM, Odinga, and because of the Luo community. So we have a debt to repay William Ruto,” he stated.
The Cabinet Secretary also highlighted the strategic importance of Nyanza in shaping Kenya’s political landscape. He encouraged residents to ensure the region becomes part of President Ruto’s voting block in 2027, framing it as a way of repaying the debt owed for Ruto’s earlier political support.
CS Wandayi, who is recognized as one of the key ODM strategists within the broad-based government, is actively advocating for the party to endorse President Ruto’s re-election campaign. His remarks come amid ongoing discussions within ODM about aligning with President Ruto’s agenda ahead of the next general elections.
The rural electrification project launch, which saw CS Wandayi interacting directly with Migori County residents, served as a platform for emphasizing both development initiatives and political mobilization in the region.
