Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has called on opposition leaders to disclose their preferred presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, asserting that President William Ruto is set to secure a second term with a commanding first-round win.
Addressing residents in West Uyoma, Rarieda Constituency, Wandayi emphasized that the ruling coalition has already rallied behind President Ruto, while the opposition remains fragmented without a clear alternative.
Wandayi stated: "Make an effort to tell us who your presidential candidate is. Under our broad-based coalition, our candidate is President William Samoei Ruto. We challenge them to name their candidate so that we can meet head-to-head."
He confidently predicted that President Ruto would garner over 65 percent of the vote, securing victory in the initial round of the election.
Wandayi dismissed the opposition's prospects, criticizing their divisive politics and lack of a unified front. He highlighted the political cooperation between the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) as a strong alliance bolstering Ruto's re-election bid.
Additionally, Wandayi assured the community that key infrastructure and development projects in West Uyoma remain priorities for the national government.
Regional Leaders Call for Unity
In related remarks, Vihiga Deputy Governor Ayub Savula urged leaders from Western Kenya to collaborate to enhance the region's influence ahead of the 2027 elections. Savula proposed that Wandayi and Co-operatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya unite efforts, potentially positioning one of them for the Deputy President role.
He said, "Opiyo Wandayi and Wycliffe Oparanya should sit together so that one of them can become Deputy President. The position Wandayi is holding is being held in trust for the people. As we approach 2027, we should support President William Ruto so that our bargaining power can be strong."
Supporting these views, Marenyo-Shianda MCA described Wandayi as a community son and a close ally of Oparanya, calling for their collaboration in pursuit of the deputy presidency.
