In a recent address, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi made it clear that he will not be forced to criticize the Kenya Kwanza government that he is working for.
While speaking in Ugunja constituency over the weekend, Wandayi highlighted the crucial role of constructive criticism within the government, emphasizing on the delicate balance between criticism and the execution of duties.
“You cannot tell me that as a cabinet secretary within the government I should criticize it. I already did that when I was outside the government, and I was perfect in that, but our people must understand that there is a time for everything.” He reminded the party officials opposed to the broad-based government.
“It is the work of parliament, both the national assembly and senate, to oversight the executive” he said adding “to expect me as a member of the executive to participate in the criticism of the government that I serve in is to stretch the imagination too far.”
The cabinet secretary was also categorical that while external criticism is both welcome and necessary, it was not the responsibility of executive members like himself to partake in that critique. He advocated for those dissatisfied with the regime to do that work of opposition instead of expecting others to do it.
“Nobody has stopped you who is outside the cabinet from criticizing the government. You can continue criticizing it until the cows come back home. I also want to be critiqued as a member of 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 Opiyo Wandayi.
The Cabinet Secretary’s message was clear that while it is important for citizens and stakeholders to voice their concerns, the government must prioritize its mission to deliver effective services.
