Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi speaking in Mavoko on Thursday while launching the rural electrification projects in Katani, August 7, 2025. /OPIYO WANDAYIEnergy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has dismissed claims by the former ruling Jubilee Party that ODM leader Raila Odinga could be their presidential candidate in 2027.
Speaking in Mavoko on Thursday while launching the rural electrification projects in Katani, Wandayi told off Jubilee vice-chairperson David Murathe, who earlier in the week hinted that retired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s party was keen to woo Raila to break ranks with President William Ruto.
“Leave Raila alone. There are so many people who have expressed interest in the presidential seat. Let Raila continue helping the President run the country for peace and development’s sake,” Wandayi said.
He described Murathe’s remarks as “mere propaganda,” adding: “They say you can fool some people some time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.”
On March 7, Raila signed a working partnership with President Ruto and has since vowed to support the Head of State’s broad-based government.
Many political observers expect him to back Ruto’s re-election bid in the 2027 General Election.
However, tensions in the opposition have flared after Jubilee, under Uhuru’s leadership, signalled a willingness to front Raila as its flagbearer if he severs ties with Ruto.
Murathe’s remarks came after Uhuru chaired the party’s National Executive Council meeting on Tuesday, where he openly indicated that the retired president was ready to back Raila once again.
Last month, the Star reported on powerful political forces — with Uhuru’s blessings — pushing Raila to re-enter the presidential race.
Murathe’s statement appeared to confirm those manoeuvres, insisting Uhuru still believes Raila is “the right man for the job.”
Days after Jubilee’s overture, Ruto on Thursday moved to consolidate his alliance with the ODM leader by establishing a five-member team to steer their political deal.
The panel will oversee the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding and the recommendations of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report — a clear signal of the President’s resolve to keep Raila firmly within his fold.
The President, who has lost significant political ground in Mt Kenya following his falling-out with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, is banking on Raila’s backing to bolster his chances of re-election in 2027.
The creation of the five-member team is widely seen as a strategic step to cement the partnership and blunt any attempts by Jubilee to lure Raila away.
Wandayi, however, was categorical that Raila’s current political path will not change.
“I want to tell these friends of mine, leave Raila alone. Raila has decided and has said openly that he will work with President William Ruto to the last minute,” he said.
