Cabinet Secretaries Blur Public Duty Through Campaign Involvement

Should Cabinet Secretaries (CSs) actively participate in politics, or remain neutral? This question now sits at the heart of Kenya’s civic debate.

In Kenya, Cabinet Secretaries (CSs) are increasingly in the spotlight for actively engaging in partisan politics, despite their roles as public officers.

CSs like Opiyo Wandayi (Energy and Petroleum), Hassan Joho (Mining, Blue Economy), John Mbadi (Treasury) and Geoffrey Ruku (Public service) have been noted for attending rallies, engaging in party mobilization, and promoting the re-election of the head of state.

This behavior has sparked debate regarding the violation of the Leadership and Integrity Act and the constitutional requirement for political neutrality.

The Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has ignited public debate, defending his active involvement in party politics while serving in the Kenyan Cabinet.

Appearing on national television on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, Wandayi insisted that Cabinet Secretaries are not barred from political engagement and that doing so does not detract from their government duties.

 “I am a life member of ODM and continue to participate actively in the affairs of the party. There is this misplaced notion that CSs should not participate in the affairs of political parties. The Constitution recognizes that CSs have the right to engage in political affairs,” he said.

Wandayi framed his political activity as a form of public communication on government achievements rather than early campaigning.

Wandayi’s defense builds on a consistent pattern of public political advocacy:

On September 20, 2025 in Nakuru, Wandayi urged leaders to prioritize unity and national development, emphasizing cooperation over conflict.

“Any country that wants development must first have unity among its leaders, and secondly unity among its citizens.”

On December 24, 2025 he publicly rallied leaders to back President William Ruto’s anticipated 2027 bid, describing it as “inevitable” and defending coalition politics as a product of “give and take.”

At an ODM event in Siaya on February 21, 2026, Wandayi endorsed the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Odinga and, reiterating confidence reaffirmed his loyalty to party leadership in Odinga’s leadership potential.

The Role of a Cabinet Secretary

In Kenya, a Cabinet Secretary is appointed by the President and vetted by Parliament.

Article 77(2) of the Constitution prohibits state officers from holding office in a political party.

The Leadership and Integrity Act (Section 23) allows CSs to hold political views, provided they conduct official duties impartially.

This legal ambiguity sits at the heart of Wandayi’s defense party office, but: CSs cannot hold any party office; they can remain members and express political views.

As a former Minority Leader Energy and Petroleum in the National Assembly, he was already a seasoned political actor before joining the Cabinet. His biography experience in public highlights his legal training and broad affairs, reinforcing his identity as a political statesman.

Public Service and Perception

Wandayi’s remarks have sharpened debate over the line between public service and partisan politics. Supporters argue that communicating government achievements and advocating for unity is part of public service.

Critics counter that overt political positioning, especially ahead of election cycles, undermines impartiality and blurs constitutional boundaries.

Whatever one’s view, Wandayi’s record shows a leader unwavering in his political commitments — both within his party and in the national arena. His defense has forced Kenyans to confront a pressing question: should Cabinet Secretaries actively participate in politics, or should they remain strictly neutral in service of the state?

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