By Anderson Ojwang
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi could be on an overdrive to be installed as the Luo Kingpin in an emerging political dispensation in Nyanza following the recent death of Raila Odinga.
In what can be seen as a calculated move to checkmate other community leaders interested in the kingship, Wandayi has gone full-blown for the battle to edge his competitors.
Wandayi could be enjoying support from some powerful quarters and is strategically repositioning himself.
The CS is currently viewed as the possible heir apparent and the most significant politician in the government from Siaya County, and a staunch supporter and confidant of ODM party leader Dr. Oburu Odinga.
Previously, Raila controlled Luo politics and determined the politics of the region; however, he failed to groom any leader to take over from him, and this has created a vacuum which has subsequently resulted in the scramble for the kingship.
Wandayi, in a move to galvanize the support of the Council of Elders and seek their endorsement, on Monday held a discussion with Ker Odungi Randa at his home in Nyando, Kisumu County.
Wandayi posted on his X handle: “Tête-à-tête with the spiritual leader of the Luo nation, Ker Odungi Randa.”
In a post by one of his aides, Jerry William Ochieng Sando wrote on his Facebook page: “This morning, Waziri had a tête-à-tête with the Luo Council of Elders Chair, Ker Odungi Randa.”
But Randa, when contacted by the writer, denied having met Wandayi on Monday and claimed to have met him several months ago.
“Where did I meet CS Wandayi? Not my home. Where? I last met Wandayi when he visited my home with Nyakach MP Aduma Owuor several months ago. The CS did not come to my home on Monday. I am not aware of any photo we took together on Monday,” Randa said.
But Randa encouraged community leaders interested in inheriting Raila’s political empire that they were free to do so and to consult with him.
“Wandayi and even you are free to battle it out for the kingship. A leader will eventually emerge, and we encourage everyone to fight it out, Wandayi included,” he said in a telephone interview.
Wandayi has been holding discreet and private meetings with political leaders from Nyanza and is claimed to be sponsoring some of the aspirants for various parliamentary and other elective political seats ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The recent declaration by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi at a function in Sori, in Nyatike Constituency, over his intent for the community leadership and presidency in 2032 has ignited more fuel in the scramble.
Equally, the decision by the Siaya Senator to take sabbatical leave from the campaigns could also have informed the battle for the kingpin to go full-blown.
Oburu wrote on his X handle: “Feeling grateful for good health and high spirits. Taking a short sabbatical to recollect, recharge and reset.”
Mbadi declared his intent to inherit Raila’s political constituency to seek the 2032 presidency and urged for the community’s support.
“I want to say that Raila’s shoes are so big for me to wear. I, Mbadi, cannot fit in Raila’s shoes, but what I know is that I will make shoes that fit my legs. I am ready and making shoes that fit my leg and already have started to follow Raila’s footsteps and journey to Canaan.
How many are ready to go to Canaan with me? We can only go to Canaan through President William Ruto, and that is why in 2032, I will be vying for presidency. Nobody will bring you the presidency at the comfort of your home. That is why I must traverse every corner of the country and build networks and friends. I must give my people hope. We don’t want to waste time. I want only one seat — the presidency in 2032 — and I will win,” he said.
Two years ago, Oburu Odinga, now ODM party leader, had endorsed Wandayi to be future leadership and described him as Raila’s student.
“Opiyo ne owacho na wach moro. To ne anyise ni gima ineno no. biro miyo idhi mabor e siasa ka. Opiyo ne okona ni jok moko osiko penjo ni raila wacho ango. Dak omiyowa direction. opiyo ongeyo somo body language mar Raila. Opiyo nigi future mar telo e kenya ka. Opiyo rieny a riemya. Jatelo ok yier ga. Onge kuma ne oyiere raila. Jatelo ti ka obwol. Kendo opiyo ose ti kaka obwolo. Wan wase wene.”
Opiyo has been leading a team from Siaya County that checkmates the area Governor James Orengo, who blows hot and cold on the broad-based government.
Sources revealed that powerful figures could be behind the move to coronate Opiyo as the kingpin in an expected political realignment in the region.
