Ruto Defends Appointing Opposition Leaders Mbadi and Wandayi to Cabinet: “Government Belongs to All Kenyans”
President William Ruto has firmly defended his decision to appoint former opposition figures John Mbadi and Opiyo Wandayi to senior Cabinet positions, responding to mounting criticism over their political affiliations.
Speaking in Migori on Monday, May 5, Ruto acknowledged that some Kenyans were unhappy with the appointments, as both men had opposed his presidential bid. However, the President emphasized that leadership must transcend political divisions and serve the interests of all citizens.
“Some people are angry with me, asking why I appointed John Mbadi as the Cabinet Secretary for Treasury and Opiyo Wandayi as the CS for Energy and Petroleum, yet they never voted for me. My response is simple: the government of Kenya belongs to all Kenyans, both those who voted and those who didn’t,” Ruto stated.
Appointments Spark Political Debate
The controversial appointments were announced in July 2024, shortly after widespread nationwide protests against the 2024 Finance Bill. Ruto’s move was widely interpreted as an effort to de-escalate political tensions and build a more inclusive government.
Both Mbadi and Wandayi previously served as Minority Leaders in the National Assembly, making their elevation to Cabinet positions a historic turn of events in Kenyan politics.
Wandayi, the Member of Parliament for Ugunja, formally assumed office on August 8, 2024, after securing approval from the National Assembly.
In his acceptance remarks, Wandayi expressed deep gratitude to both President Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga:
“Thank you, President William Ruto, for nominating me to the position of CS, Energy and Petroleum. It will be a great honor and privilege to serve my country in this new capacity. My gratitude to Baba Raila Odinga for his enduring mentorship and tutelage.”
Calls for Collaboration and Accountability
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula urged the newly appointed Cabinet Secretaries to remain accessible and collaborative with Members of Parliament.
“I will be the saddest Speaker in the history of Kenya to hear from MPs that you cannot open the doors for them, take their calls, or attend to the issues they bring to you. Go out there and set the pace. Mentor those who have not had the opportunity to come to this House,” Wetang’ula said.
Building a Broad-Based Government
President Ruto has described the appointments as part of his broader mission to form a unified, broad-based government that includes leaders from across Kenya’s political spectrum.
“The formation of this broad-based government that brings together former political rivals into one selfless patriotic team will unlock the potential of our country that has long been denied us by factional and sectarian competition.
While competition is good, there is a moment when the interest of the nation is greater than the interest of a political formation. That is why I have reached out across the aisle to bring onboard the knowledge, expertise and experience of deserving Kenyans, though belonging to a different political formation,” the President stated.
With these appointments, Ruto signals a strategic shift toward national cohesion and inclusive governance, even as critics question the political implications of bringing opposition leaders into the heart of his administration.
