ODM Ministers Under Fire as Kenyans Question Their Impact
Nearly two years after the high-profile integration of ODM heavyweights into the Kenya Kwanza administration, the initial optimism surrounding the “broad-based government” has curdled into deep public skepticism. Billed as technical experts who would steady the national economy through turbulent times, these Cabinet Secretaries are now facing accusations that they have drifted away from their core dockets and into the murky waters of 2027 electioneering. Critics argue that instead of tackling the urgent crises in energy, treasury, and cooperatives, these ministers are increasingly visible on campaign trails, positioning themselves for future political survival rather than delivering on their ministerial mandates.
The controversy centers on the shift from “expertise” to “political stability.” While President William Ruto initially indicated that his cabinet would be composed of professionals rather than politicians, the four ODM appointees—all veteran political players—have largely maintained their political identities. This has led many to wonder if their appointments were less about reform and more about a strategic handshake to neutralize the opposition. As nationwide protests continue to highlight a lack of accountability within these specific ministries, the “inclusive” nature of the government is being viewed by many as a shield for poor performance and misplaced priorities.
The dockets held by John Mbadi (National Treasury) and Opiyo Wandayi (Energy and Petroleum) have come under particularly intense scrutiny. Despite his reputation as a financial hawk while in the opposition, CS John Mbadi is being criticized for failing to deliver significant tax relief, leaving businesses and households struggling with high VAT rates. Meanwhile, his ministry has overseen significant budget boosts for the offices of the President and Deputy President, leading to accusations of skewed priorities that favor the ruling elite over the common citizen.
In the energy sector, CS Opiyo Wandayi is grappling with a fuel importation scandal characterized by inflated procurement costs and stubbornly high prices at the pump. The lack of transparency in these processes has undermined public confidence, with critics questioning if his “expertise” has made any tangible difference in easing the cost of living. The perception that these ministers are “entangled” in the very systems they once critiqued has left a bitter taste in the mouths of many supporters who expected a more radical departure from the status quo.
The performance of Hassan Joho (Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs) and Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives and MSMEs) has also raised eyebrows. CS Joho has been accused of remaining silent on pressing issues, including the detention of Kenyan vessels in neighboring territories and controversial mining projects in Western Kenya. Instead, his focus appears to have shifted back to Coast politics, where allies are already touting him as a potential running mate for 2027. This perceived absenteeism from his primary duties has stalled progress in the critical Blue Economy sector.
Similarly, CS Wycliffe Oparanya’s management of the Hustler Fund and other micro-enterprise initiatives has been marred by rising debt and failed promises. Instead of serving as a hub for financial empowerment, the docket is accused of deepening the financial strain on small-scale traders. With ODM recently threatening to “go it alone” and avoid further negotiations with UDA, the future of this broad-based arrangement looks increasingly precarious. If these “donated experts” cannot prove their worth through results rather than rhetoric, the political cost for both the President and the ODM party may be insurmountable.
The “broad-based” experiment is at a crossroads. As ODM ministers balance their ministerial duties with their political futures, the Kenyan public is left wondering if they are paying the price for a stability that only benefits the politicians.
