Energy Cabinet Secretary James Opiyo Wandayi has told off the government critics within the ODM party, telling them that they cannot force him to criticize the administration that he is serving in.

Speaking on Saturday January 25, 2025, during the burial of his cousin James Onyango at Sikalame in Ugunja constituency, Wandayi said that in his previous duty as a member of parliament and leader of the Minority in the National Assembly, he was very good at criticism.

He stated that those who want to criticize the government are free to do so but they should not expect him as a member of the executive to join them.

“You can continue criticizing the government, as much as you want. I also want to be critiqued as a member of the executive for me to deliver services properly. But don’t expect me to join you in criticizing the executive, that can’t be my work,” said Wandayi.

Wandayi added that as Cabinet Secretary he has more than enough avenues, platforms and fora to air his views and no one should therefore dictate to him or lecture him on how he should conduct himself within the executive.

While stating that the broad based government is currently in the right trajectory, Wandayi said that it is important for the critics to appreciate the tremendous achievements that the government has made especially in reviving the economy and ensuring that Kenya continues to gain positive recognition internationally.

“It is important to appreciate that Kenya is on a positive trajectory. The government has done whatever it takes to ensure the economy is back on track,” he said. 

He at the same time warned the government critics that election time will come and that is when the broad based government will outline its achievements, for the electorate to decide.

Wandayi’s remarks emerged a few days after ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna said that former ODM members in government have become President William Ruto’s sycophants.