Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

- Energy Cabinet Secretary James Opiyo Wandayi has rejected criticism from ODM party members, asserting that he cannot be compelled to criticise the government while serving in its Executive.

Speaking during the burial of his cousin, James Onyango, in Sikalame, Ugunja Constituency, Wandayi indirectly responded to Nairobi senator and ODM secretary-general Edwin Sifuna’s claims that some party members in government had become sycophants of President William Ruto.

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“No one should expect me to criticise the government while I am part of the Executive. Those who want to criticise are free to do so, but they should not dictate how I conduct myself,” Wandayi stated.

Wandayi reflected on his previous role as a legislator and minority leader in the National Assembly, where he actively held the government accountable.

“In my previous life as an MP, I was very good at criticism. Now, as Cabinet secretary, I have better platforms to air my views,” he remarked.

The CS defended the government’s performance, particularly in revitalising the economy and bolstering Kenya’s global standing.

He urged the critics to appreciate the tremendous achievements the government has made while insisting that the Kenya Kwanza administration is rebuilding the economy and gaining positive recognition globally.

The former lawmaker also cautioned critics, saying that the electorate would ultimately judge the government’s performance during elections.

“Election time will come, and the Kenyan people will prove critics wrong. This broad-based government will count its achievements,” he concluded.

The broad-based government was formed after President Ruto dismissed nearly his entire Cabinet following the protests led by the Gen Zs.

Aside from Wandayi, other ODM leaders now serving in Ruto's government are Treasury CS John Mbadi, Mining CS Hassan Joho, and Cooperatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya.

Wandayi’s remarks highlight the growing rift within ODM over the involvement of party members in President Ruto’s administration.

In other news, a group of opposition leader Raila Odinga's allies has warned their former colleagues who joined the Cabinet not to compromise the party’s principles.

James Orengo cautioned that losing the party’s identity for the sake of easy victories would have long-term consequences. He emphasised that any compromises made must be justifiable.

The remarks come amid a growing divide within the party over whether to support the government.

Source: TUKO.co.ke