Opiyo Wandayi receives Ruto in first assignment as CS

Aug 9, 2024 - 15:01

By Peter Ochieng

New Energy Cabinet Secretary (CS) James Opiyo Wandayi on Friday received president William Ruto in Murang’a, in his first assignment since being sworn in on Thursday.

The former Ugunja Member of Parliament (MP) and leader of minority in the National Assembly, is among four former ODM officials enlisted by Ruto in his broad-based government.

To hit the ground running, the former legislature arrived in Murang’a early, ahead of the launch of the Last Mile Electricity Project in Kirungu Village, Kiriaini.

“Hii mahali imekuwa mbali, Waziri uko area?” Ruto said as he passionately shook Wandayi’s hand. It translates to, “This place seems to be far. Minister, are you on site?”

“Niko area (I am on site),” the new CS responded as they both broke into a hearty laughter.

The Head of State was accompanied by, among others, his deputy Rigathi Gachagua and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro. During his time as an opposition MP, Wandayi and John Mbadi, now Treasury CS, were among the biggest critics of President Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza regime.

They are among 19 CS sworn-in at State House Nairobi on Thursday.