In a spirited defense of his past criticisms of President William Ruto’s administration, Energy Cabinet Secretary nominee Opiyo Wandayi emphasized that his actions were rooted in his duties as the National Assembly Minority Leader. Appearing before Parliament’s Committee on Appointments for vetting on Saturday, the Ugunja MP clarified his stance, underscoring the importance of parliamentary oversight and the role of legislators in holding the executive accountable.
Wandayi’s comments come amid scrutiny over his frequent censure of the Kenya Kwanza government’s policies. Critics have questioned the compatibility of his past criticisms with his new role in the administration. However, Wandayi firmly asserted that his previous remarks were not only justified but also mandated by the constitutional responsibilities of his former position.
“I was simply playing my role and it must be clearly understood that under Articles 94, 95, and 96 of the Constitution, Parliament, regardless of which side you are sitting, has got a collective duty to oversight the Executive, legislate and also represent our electors,” Wandayi explained. This statement highlights the fundamental principle of separation of powers and the necessity for robust checks and balances within the government.
Wandayi further elaborated on the misconception that the president and the executive must always align with the majority side in Parliament. “It only follows that I happen to have come from the party to which the President and the Executive do not belong. There is a misnomer here because people tend to think that the President and his team must come from the majority side,” he remarked. This clarification underscores the diversity of political representation and the essential role of opposition parties in a functioning democracy.
The Energy Cabinet Secretary nominee also addressed concerns about his ministerial nomination in light of his past criticisms. “I was simply paying my role as an MP but above all else I was the leader of Minority and I was leading my troops in putting the government to check without any prejudice,” he stated. Wandayi’s emphasis on his leadership role within the minority underscores the strategic and duty-bound nature of his past actions.
In defending his new position, Wandayi expressed a continued commitment to national service and patriotism. “There is no contradiction whatsoever in what I believed in then and I believe in now. I simply believe that I have been called to perform a national duty and as a patriotic Kenyan, I have responded positively to the call,” he asserted. This declaration reflects his readiness to transition from a critical opposition leader to a collaborative member of the executive, dedicated to serving the nation.
Wandayi’s defense highlights a broader conversation about the dynamic roles of legislators and the evolving nature of political responsibilities. His statements reinforce the notion that criticism and oversight are not only integral to democratic governance but also compatible with subsequent roles within the executive branch.
As Wandayi awaits confirmation for his new role as Energy Cabinet Secretary, his defense serves as a reminder of the vital function of parliamentary oversight and the importance of maintaining a balance between critique and collaboration in governance. His journey from National Assembly Minority Leader to a ministerial nominee underscores the fluidity of political roles and the enduring commitment to national service that transcends partisan lines.
