What Did Opiyo Wandayi Say About the Gen Z Protests?
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, while speaking in Migori County on Sunday, dismissed claims that the recent Gen Z protests were purely youth-driven. Instead, he accused opposition leaders, particularly former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, of hiding behind young people to push their political ambitions.
“The protest was not by the youth; it was by leaders desiring to take leadership. They are hiding behind other people’s children. We warn them to stop that behaviour. They should wait for the next elections,” Wandayi said.
He added that any attempts by Gachagua and his allies to ascend to power through unconventional means would not succeed, urging them to respect the democratic timeline and prepare for the 2027 elections.
Why Are Leaders Backing Raila Odinga’s Dialogue Initiative?
Wandayi’s comments came as several leaders allied to President William Ruto expressed support for the national dialogue initiative led by ODM party leader Raila Odinga. According to Wandayi, the Kenya Kwanza critics have no reason to disrupt the peace or mislead citizens when the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is now fully constituted and ready for the next general elections.
South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro echoed Wandayi’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of national conversations over political conflict. “We support the national dialogues being championed by ODM party leader Raila Odinga,” Osoro said.
What Did Osoro Say About Gachagua and Odinga?
In his remarks, Osoro criticized Gachagua for repeatedly attacking Odinga, urging him to refrain from such confrontations. “He is not his equal politically,” Osoro stated firmly, suggesting that Gachagua should focus on constructive engagement rather than political rivalry.
By Lucky Anyanje
