President William Ruto has responded to growing criticism over his decision to appoint opposition figures John Mbadi and Opiyo Wandayi to key Cabinet positions, saying his government is committed to national unity over political loyalty.

Speaking in Migori on Monday, May 5, Ruto acknowledged the backlash from some quarters following the appointments, particularly because neither Mbadi nor Wandayi supported his presidential bid.

“Some people are angry with me, asking why I appointed John Mbadi as Cabinet Secretary for Treasury and Opiyo Wandayi as CS for Energy and Petroleum, yet they never voted for me,” Ruto told the crowd.

“My response is simple: the government of Kenya belongs to all Kenyans—those who voted for me and those who didn’t.”

The appointments came in July 2024 amid heightened national unrest triggered by the controversial Finance Bill. Ruto's decision to bring opposition leaders into government was seen as a bold attempt to defuse political tensions and signal inclusivity.

Both Mbadi and Wandayi previously served as Minority Leaders in the National Assembly. Following parliamentary vetting, Wandayi formally assumed office in August 2024.

Upon his nomination, Wandayi expressed gratitude to President Ruto and credited Azimio leader Raila Odinga for his mentorship:

“Thank you, President William Ruto, for nominating me… It will be a great honor to serve my country in this new capacity if approved. My gratitude to Baba Raila Odinga for his enduring mentorship.”

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula called on the new CSs to remain accessible to lawmakers and serve as examples for other Cabinet members:

“I will be the saddest Speaker in Kenya’s history if I hear MPs complaining that you won’t take their calls or attend to their issues. Set the pace and mentor others.”

Ruto emphasized that the inclusion of opposition voices was part of his broader vision for a "broad-based government" that prioritizes unity and performance over partisanship.

“There comes a moment when the interests of the nation must override the interests of political camps,” he said. “That is why I have reached across the aisle—to tap into the knowledge and experience of Kenyans committed to building our country.”

The move has stirred debate across the political spectrum, with some praising it as a sign of statesmanship and others viewing it as a calculated strategy to weaken the opposition.