Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has has defended his past criticism of President William Ruto’s administration, explaining that his previous stance stemmed from limited access to reliable information about government projects and development plans..
During a live television interview on Monday, June 9, 2025,, Wandayi explained that his position changed after he joined the government and gained a clearer understanding of its policies and operations.
Before his appointment, Wandayi was a fierce critic of Ruto’s leadership, often questioning key government projects and policy decisions. However, he now admits that many of those criticisms were based on incomplete or surface-level information.
Wandayi pointed to the government-to-government (G2G) agreement as a prime example. As an opposition member, he had strongly opposed the deal, which outlines how Kenya collaborates with international oil suppliers. But now, from his vantage point inside government, Wandayi sees the agreement as a smart and necessary move that has helped the country weather economic challenges.
“When you are in opposition, you criticise on the basis of the information you have, which, many times, is based on very scant information,” Wandayi said. “Now that I’m an insider in government and leading in the petroleum and energy docket, I understand that the G2G is a smart move.”
The Cabinet Secretary noted that his former role as Minority Leader in Parliament did not require him to endorse or support government policies.
“The leader of the minority or opposition has no obligation to support government positions and policies. And therefore, he would use the information provided to him on the face of it,” he explained.
Now tasked with overseeing the energy and petroleum docket, Wandayi praised the G2G deal for its role in stabilizing Kenya’s foreign exchange reserves and maintaining a steady supply of petroleum products.
“Now, with the benefit of hindsight, I can say the G2G was a smart move for the country. The G2G has helped save on foreign exchange and helped our country survive the difficult time,” he added.
Wandayi Addresses Death of Albert Ojwang in Police Custody
Wandayi also weighed in on the controversial death of Albert Omondi Ojwang, a popular X (formerly Twitter) influencer, who died while in police custody at Central Police Station in Nairobi on Sunday, June 8. The incident has sparked public outrage and demands for accountability.
“I want to appreciate the fact that as we speak, we aren’t privy to all the details surrounding his untimely or unfortunate demise,” he said.
He urged the public to remain patient and allow due process to unfold. “ I can say for now is to basically appeal for calm as we await these investigations to be completed. Until and unless you get to understand the circumstances first and foremost surrounding his arrest and how eventually he met his death, it’s going to be very difficult to comment,” he added.
