Energy CS Wandayi Urges Uhuru to Keep Off Politics

Senior government leaders in Kenya have escalated their criticism of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta following his recent calls for opposition unity ahead of the 2027 General Election. Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi is the latest top official to fault the former head of state. Wandayi urged Kenyatta to focus on uniting the country rather than antagonizing sitting leaders. He made these remarks at Odaso Health Centre in Kanyamwa Kosele Ward, Ndhiwa Constituency, during a women's empowerment programme.

Wandayi argued that Kenyatta's recent political remarks are detrimental to the nation. He maintained that the former president should enjoy his retirement instead of engaging in electioneering. Wandayi said, "You must be content with the fact that this country gave you ten years to lead it. You must be thankful." He urged Kenyatta to accord President William Ruto the same respect enjoyed by previous heads of state.

The Cabinet Secretary noted that past presidents did not face the level of sustained criticism currently directed at the Kenya Kwanza administration. He cited Jomo Kenyatta, who was accorded respect alongside all other heads of state who served after him. Wandayi stated that Kenyatta must practice patriotism. Wandayi also dismissed Kenyatta's political credibility, accusing him of dishonesty regarding past political alliances.

Wandayi claimed that Kenyatta misled former Prime Minister Raila Odinga about supporting his presidential bid and accused him of insincerity during past anti-government protests. He said, "You even lied to us after the election. You lied during the past protests that you were with us when in reality you were not." Wandayi vowed to continue exposing what he termed as Kenyatta's political missteps.

The Energy CS further asserted that efforts to rally the opposition against President Ruto in 2027 will fail. He described opposition figures as tribalists incapable of uniting the country. Wandayi predicted that President Ruto will secure over 60 per cent of the vote in the next election, citing equitable development projects across the nation.

Wandayi’s remarks add to a growing chorus of criticism from the executive and legislative arms of government. On November 11, 2026, President Ruto publicly accused his predecessor of political betrayal during the 2022 transition. President Ruto questioned why Kenyatta continues to target his administration nearly four years into its term and warned opposition leaders against trusting him.

Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome and ruling coalition lawmakers have echoed similar sentiments. They argue that Kenyatta had completed his constitutional tenure and should allow the current administration space to deliver on its mandate without interference. Meanwhile, some lawmakers have threatened to sponsor parliamentary motions to review or withdraw Kenyatta’s state-funded retirement benefits, citing his active involvement in Jubilee Party affairs and broader opposition politics.

Key points

• Wandayi urges Kenyatta to focus on uniting the country rather than antagonizing sitting leaders.
• Wandayi predicts that President Ruto will secure over 60 per cent of the vote in the 2027 election.
• Kenyatta's active involvement in politics has sparked criticism from government leaders.