Wandayi: Ruto taught us that making a wrong decision is better than none

Caption:Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi speaking during a church service at St. Peter’s ACK Cathedral in Siaya County on Sunday, August 31, 2025. VIDEO/Azimio TV(Official)

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has raised eyebrows by stating that President William Ruto’s leadership approach favours making decisions, even if they are wrong, over doing nothing.

Speaking during a church service at St. Peter’s ACK Cathedral in Siaya County on Sunday, August 31, 2025, where President Ruto was present, Wandayi highlighted what he described as a key lesson from working under the Head of State.

“Your Excellency, you have made some of the hardest possible decisions in this country, and you have taught us as your cabinet secretaries that it is better you make a decision which is wrong instead of not making a decision,” Wandayi said.

He explained that Ruto’s willingness to make tough and sometimes unpopular choices has accelerated several development projects and reforms that had long been stalled.

He added that Ruto’s willingness to make tough decisions has accelerated several development projects and reforms that had long been stalled. According to Wandayi, the president’s approach has demonstrated that bold action is necessary to unlock the country’s full potential.

Weighing risks and outcomes

While President Ruto’s decisiveness has been widely praised by his supporters as a demonstration of bold and transformative leadership, critics have repeatedly cautioned that making frequent wrong decisions carries significant risks for the country.

They argue that unchecked decisiveness, without careful planning and consultation, could lead to unintended consequences that affect governance, public trust, and national development.

Wandayi’s remarks come amid ongoing public scrutiny of some of Ruto’s more controversial policies and high-profile initiatives, including procurement reforms, the introduction of the Social Health Authority (SHA) programme, and major investment deals such as those with Adani.

These initiatives, while intended to advance development and improve efficiency, have also attracted debate over their implementation, transparency, and potential social and economic consequences.