In a bold and candid declaration, Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi, the nominee for Cabinet Secretary of Energy and Petroleum, has vowed to root out the cartels that have plagued Kenya’s energy sector for decades. During his vetting by the National Assembly Committee on Appointments, Wandayi, the former National Assembly Minority Leader, emphasized his unwavering stance against corruption.
“The problem with Kenya’s energy sector is that it is infested by cartels,” Wandayi stated, addressing concerns raised by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah about his ability to combat entrenched interests and ensure affordable energy for Kenyans. “I have loathed corruption for a long time,” he added, expressing his readiness to confront the powerful groups undermining the sector.
Wandayi’s commitment to transparency and reform is backed by a dossier he announced in March 2023, detailing the pervasive influence of cartels within the energy industry. He warned that these groups are transitioning from one regime to another, posing a significant threat to the Kenya Kwanza government and contributing to the high cost of energy.
“The energy sector has been captured by cartels, they are lethal and dangerous. We must gather the courage to deal with them once and for all if we are to address the high cost of energy,” Wandayi urged, highlighting the urgent need for action.
Drawing on his extensive experience as a member of the Public Investment Committee, Energy and Commercial, Wandayi assured the committee of his competence to handle the challenges of the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum. He also highlighted his academic, professional, and parliamentary background as evidence of his qualifications.
In response to allegations that he and other ODM nominees benefited from the recent Gen Z protests, Wandayi clarified his position. He acknowledged the importance of the issues raised by the youths and stressed that these concerns require urgent attention from the government. He denied taking advantage of the protests to secure his nomination, emphasizing that he had not applied for the executive position but was honored by the President’s nomination.
Wandayi is one of four ODM leaders nominated to Cabinet positions by President William Ruto, alongside John Mbadi (Treasury), Hassan Joho (Mining), and Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives). He recently announced his decision to step down as ODM’s Secretary for Political Affairs following his Cabinet nomination.