By ERIC JUMA
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary James Opiyo Wandayi has dismissed Siaya Governor James Orengo’s claims that President William Ruto’s popularity is waning, insisting the Head of State still commands the support of more than 65 per cent of Kenyan voters.
Speaking in Uyoma, Rarieda Sub-County, on Saturday, Wandayi dismissed assertions that President Ruto would struggle to secure 15 per cent of the vote in the 2027 General Election, describing such predictions as unrealistic.
Last week, Orengo claimed that President Ruto would struggle to garner even 15 per cent of the votes cast in the next General Election, arguing that worsening economic conditions had significantly eroded the President’s support among Kenyans.
However, Wandayi maintained that President Ruto remains popular across the country and said those predicting his defeat are “daydreaming.”
“There is no political formation or alliance that will pose a threat to the UDA-ODM alliance in the 2027 General Election,” said Wandayi.
The Cabinet Secretary expressed confidence that President Ruto will secure a second term, arguing that winning the presidency requires more than political rallies and public declarations.
“Those seeking to unseat President Ruto should not underestimate the challenge ahead. Elections are won through service delivery and earning the trust and confidence of the people,” he said.
Wandayi dismissed the opposition’s chances of defeating President Ruto, saying its leaders would struggle to convince Kenyans that they offer a better alternative.
“I want to tell those moving around in the opposition that they will not succeed. I want to assure Kenyans that in 2027 President Ruto will be re-elected in broad daylight through a free, fair and credible election,” he said.
He accused opposition leaders of lacking a clear development agenda and vision for the country, claiming their political activities are largely centred on criticism of the government rather than presenting alternative policies.
“We know for sure that the opposition has no agenda apart from holding rallies where they engage in hate speech and promote ethnic contempt,” Wandayi added.
His remarks come amid heightened political exchanges, with leaders from both the government and the opposition trading accusations of tribal rhetoric and inflammatory political statements ahead of the 2027 polls.
Wandayi also challenged opposition leaders to name their presidential candidate early, arguing that doing so would allow Kenyans sufficient time to scrutinise the candidates’ leadership credentials and policy proposals.
He said the opposition should stop delaying the process, noting that the sooner it settles on a flag bearer, the better for the country’s democratic process.
The proposal has, however, divided opposition leaders.
Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has opposed calls for the early unveiling of the opposition’s presidential candidate, arguing that doing so would give President Ruto an unfair political advantage.
Gachagua has maintained that the opposition coalition should only name its presidential candidate close to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) nomination deadline.
“We can name a candidate as late as May 15, 2027. That is still within the deadline. Ruto, we will not give you an opportunity to intimidate our flag bearer or create divisions within the opposition,” Gachagua said.
His position has been challenged by Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi, who has urged the opposition to fast-track the process of identifying its presidential candidate.
“We cannot continue saying we have no candidate because we fear what William Ruto might do. He already knows all of us. What more can he do?” Muturi posed.
