The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has reaffirmed ODM’s support for President William Ruto’s administration, declaring that the party will continue working with the government “to the very end and beyond 2027.”
Speaking at the late Raila Odinga’s home in Bondo, Siaya County, where preparations for his burial were underway, Wandayi said the former ODM leader had effectively left his followers within Ruto’s broad-based government.
“I want to state clearly that Baba left us in government under President Ruto, and that’s where we will remain. We shall walk step by step with President Ruto now and beyond 2027,” said the CS.
Wandayi, a veteran ODM member, also hailed the party’s move to appoint Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga as acting party leader, terming it “a wise and timely decision.”
He expressed confidence in Dr. Oburu’s leadership, saying he was well placed to guide ODM into its next phase while maintaining cooperation with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
“As a life member of ODM, I will be proposing that the party convene a National Delegates Convention after Baba’s burial to formally endorse and elect Dr. Oburu as party leader,” Wandayi said.
He further assured ODM supporters that the party remains united and that the Nyanza region will continue to rally behind its new leadership.
“I want to dispel any doubts — this region will remain firmly within ODM under the leadership of Oburu Odinga,” he affirmed.
Wandayi also thanked President Ruto for granting Raila Odinga a state funeral with full military honours, noting that even Kenya’s first Vice President, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, did not receive such recognition.
“I sincerely thank President Ruto for the honour and respect he has shown Baba. This gesture will be remembered,” he said.
He added that Siaya County was fully prepared to host dignitaries and mourners attending the burial.
The late Raila Odinga, who passed away in Kochi, India, will be laid to rest on Sunday at his Bondo home after a four-day State funeral programme, which included a service at Nyayo Stadium and public viewings in Nairobi and Kisumu.
