Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi pays his last respect to Raila Odinga during the public viewing of his body at Kasarani Stadium on October 16, 2025. /OPIYO WANDAYI/XEnergy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has said the Orange Democratic Movement will remain part of the broad-based government even after the death of its former leader, Raila Odinga.
Speaking in Bondo, Siaya county, Wandayi—one of Raila’s long-time confidants—said the party was firmly behind President William Ruto.
“Baba Raila Amolo Odinga has left us in government led by President William Ruto, and that is where we are going to stay till the end,” he declared.
Raila and Ruto entered into a working agreement on March 7 this year, a deal that saw several of Raila’s allies, including Wandayi, incorporated into what was described as a broad-based government.
The coalition was formed in the wake of Gen Z-led anti-government protests sparked by a controversial finance bill and the high cost of living—unrest that nearly crippled the Kenya Kwanza administration.
During Raila's funeral service at Nyayo Stadium, President Ruto paid a glowing tribute to Raila, saying their relationship had evolved from political rivalry to deep mutual respect and partnership.
“I have come a long way with Baba. When I stood by him, with the other members of Pentagon, at a defining moment in his and our nation’s history, I neither knew that one day we would find ourselves on opposite sides nor could I have imagined that, years later, he would stand beside me, this time to steady the nation and help anchor my leadership, culminating in the birth of a broad-based government,” Ruto said.
“I am truly and eternally grateful that our paths crossed and that we shared this journey. As I have reflected on Raila's legacy following his passing, I have entertained no doubt in my mind that history will judge him fairly and kindly because whenever the nation needed him to rise above self, he always did unreservedly,” he added.
Wandayi said ODM would continue working with Ruto just as Raila had envisioned, insisting the cooperation was part of Raila’s legacy.
“And I can dare say without any fear of contradiction that we are going to walk step by step with President William Ruto to the end, now and beyond 2027,” he said.
The CS lauded ODM’s decision to appoint Raila’s elder brother, Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, as the acting party leader, calling it a wise and stabilizing move.
“In fact, I will be proposing as a life party member of ODM that ODM convenes very quickly, soon after Baba’s send-off, a national delegates convention to confirm Dr Oburu’s appointment, and in fact to elect him officially as the party leader of ODM,” Wandayi said.
During the funeral, Oburu said he was ready to take up the challenge despite the enormity of the task before him.
“I promise you I will not disappoint,” he declared.
Raila died on Wednesday in India where he had travelled for treatment. His burial is set for Sunday at his rural home in Bondo, Siaya county.
