Kenya Insights

Tag: Opiyo Wandayi

  • ODM Will Support Ruto’s Re-Election In 2027- CS Wandayi

    ODM Will Support Ruto’s Re-Election In 2027- CS Wandayi

    Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has confirmed that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will support President William Ruto’s re-election in the 2027 polls.

    Wandayi, a political ally of ODM leader Raila Odinga, stated that the Nyanza region, which has traditionally backed the opposition leader, will shift its support to Ruto in the upcoming elections. This change follows Ruto’s co-opting of some ODM leaders into his administration.

    “Ni jukumu letu sisi sote tulinde serikali isimame, na tuunge mkono Mheshimiwa Rais Ruto aendelee kuongoza nchi hata baada ya next (2027) elections. Kule kwetu Siaya tukiamua, tumeamua na tumeamua tunashikana na Rais William Ruto,” he said.

    The Cabinet Secretary, who previously served as the Minority Leader in the National Assembly before his Cabinet appointment, asserted that Raila’s political support base has embraced the President and will therefore back his bid for another term.“Mimi ninaamini uhusiano wetu (wa kisiasa) utadumu kabisa beyond next (2027) elections. Sisi tumeshikana na Mheshimiwa Rais William Ruto kikamilifu. Si mambo ya kubaatisha. Sisi tuko ndani ya serikali na serikali iko imara,” he said.

    He praised the President’s move to form a broad-based government, emphasizing that it is beneficial for the country. Wandayi stated that President Ruto has noble intentions and a solid development plan for the nation, deserving of support from all Kenyans.

    “I was in the opposition. However, the country is more important than individuals or political parties. That is why, when President William Ruto invited me to join his government, I accepted without hesitation,” he said.

    “President William Ruto has created a government that includes every Kenyan and every community, enabling citizens to unite and work together for development,” he remarked during a tour of Kericho County.

    In addition to incorporating members of the opposition into his administration, President Ruto is also supporting former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s bid for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission.

  • Kenya Inks Sh95.7B Deal With Adani Group To Run Power Transmission Line For 30 Years

    Kenya Inks Sh95.7B Deal With Adani Group To Run Power Transmission Line For 30 Years

    Adani Energy Solutions will revamp and expand Kenya’s energy transmission network in a 30-year deal valued at Ksh 95.7 billion.

    Energy cabinet secretary Opiyo Wandayi says the pact was signed on Wednesday this week, marking the end of a four-month marathon negotiations.

    The company is part of the Adani Group of India which has initiated a private tender to expand and run the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) under a 30-year build-own transfer model.

    In a statement issued by the Ministry of Energy on Friday afternoon, Adani Energy Solutions will raise all the funding in the form of debt and equity that will be repaid over the 30 years of the project agreement, as part of this infrastructure development.

    The statement signed by Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi further says the agreement marks the beginning of a transformative initiative to develop, finance, construct, operate, and maintain key transmission lines and substations across Kenya.

    Under the pact, Adani will fund, develop and manage the 400kV Gilgil-Thika-Malaa-Konza Line:Spanning 208.73 km.

    The project will include the construction of new substations at Gilgil, Thika, and Malaa, as well as substantial extensions at Konza. Adani Energy Solution will further develop the 220kV Rongai-Keringet-Chemosit Line with coverage of 100 km among other projects.

    The Kenya Energy Transmission Company will be the project manager. The government says negotiation for the deal has been ongoing for the last four months.

    The company is part of the Adani Group of India, which has also proposed to fund, construct and manage the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport through a 30-year concession. The deal has sparked a major legal and political storm due to the nature of the agreement.

  • Opiyo Wandayi Warns Kenya Kwanza Government To Prepare for Unstoppable Mass Action

    Opiyo Wandayi Warns Kenya Kwanza Government To Prepare for Unstoppable Mass Action

    Opiyo Wandayi has issued a stern warning to the Kenya Kwanza government, urging them to brace themselves for an imminent wave of relentless mass action.

    The National Assembly minority leader, made this declaration during the ODM party delegate meeting in Nyatike Sub County on Monday, emphasizing that the Azimio team is prepared to initiate a formidable campaign that will show no signs of abating.

    Opiyo Wandayi
    Image: Standard

    In light of the burdening taxation imposed by the government, Wandayi vehemently asserted that they cannot idly stand by while Kenyans suffer. The people of Kenya are determined to resist the government’s endeavor to further burden them with excessive taxes.

    “We are embarking on a new journey at Kamukunji… Much has been said, but we have now reached a crucial juncture where we must seek guidance from the people. The journey that begins at Kamukunji may prove unstoppable. Depending on the people’s response, it has the potential to revolutionize the political landscape of our nation,” stated the minority leader resolutely.

    Supporting Opiyo Wandayi’s stance, ODM party chairman John Mbadi echoed his sentiments, asserting that excessively taxing citizens would not facilitate the Kenya Kwanza government in generating funds for national development.

    Mbadi highlighted the precarious path the government is treading, jeopardizing the livelihoods of civil servants by depleting their salaries.

    “No economy can flourish by overburdening its citizens with exorbitant taxes. This Kenya Kwanza government is encroaching upon the livelihoods of civil servants, and we are teetering on treacherous ground,” cautioned Mbadi.

    Both leaders called upon grassroots ODM party members to fortify the party’s foundations to ensure its unwavering strength as the foremost political entity in the country.

    In protest of the recently enacted Finance Bill 2023, signed into law by President Ruto on Monday, the Azimio la Umoja coalition will hold a public Baraza at Kamukunji grounds today. This meeting will serve as a platform for expressing dissatisfaction with the legislation that has placed an onerous burden on the Kenyan populace.