Opiyo Wandayi, the Cabinet Secretary nominee for Energy and Petroleum, has sharply criticized the Gen Z protests hours after being vetted for the position. This marks a notable shift from his earlier stance on youth-led demonstrations.
Energy CS nominee Opiyo Wandayi gestures during a past parliamentary event
Wandayi, who appeared before the Committee on Appointments in Parliament, responded to concerns raised by Kathiani MP Robert Mbui regarding the role of opposition figures in the recent youth protests.
Mbui questioned whether opposition members, including Wandayi, had exploited the Gen Z protests to secure positions in the new government.
In his response, Wandayi argued that the grievances voiced by the Gen Z protesters were not new and had been consistently highlighted by the Opposition. “The issues raised by Gen Z are not different from those we have been advocating. It is incorrect to suggest we are capitalizing on these protests to enter government,” Wandayi stated.
Energy CS nominee Opiyo Wandayi
He emphasized that the concerns of the youth are significant and require attention but dismissed any suggestion that the Opposition’s involvement in government represents a betrayal of youth interests. “We are not betraying the youth. Our approach represents a paradigm shift,” he added.
Wandayi, who currently serves as the Leader of the Minority Party in the National Assembly, is set to replace Davis Chirchir as CS for Energy if his nomination is confirmed. He holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
The nominee’s comments reflect a shift in his earlier supportive stance towards the Gen Z protests, highlighting a complex political dynamic as he transitions into a key government role.
Wandayi was among the four Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party officials nominated to the position of cabinet secretary by President William Ruto.
He was nominated alongside John Mbadi (Treasury), Hassan Joho (Mining) and Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives).
Following his nomination to the cabinet, Wandayi recently announced his decision to step down from his parliamentary position, paving the way for fresh elections.
