A photo of CS Opiyo Wandayi being bundled into a police truck has resurfaced amid backlash over his "God-sent President" remarks.
In the photo, taken during the 2023 protests against the cost of living, a police officer is captured helping Wandayi climb into the back of the truck as other protesters and police officers look on.
The photo comes just a day after CS Wandayi appealed to Kenyans to respect President Ruto, saying he is God-sent and legally in place.
"Leaders are chosen by God. President Ruto is in office legally. As Christians, let us respect him and give him time to govern. Wakati wa uchaguzi ukifika, kila mtu atajaribu bahati yake. Huu uchaguzi ukikuja hawataweza, watabwagwa asubuhi na mapema," Wandayi said.
The photo now paints a stark contrast between his previous vocal critique of the government and his newfound loyalty, which netizens did not mince their words about.
Opiyo Wandayi urged Kenyans to respect President Ruto, saying he was legally elected and God-chosen. Video by Rodgers Otiso pic.twitter.com/o3MF6z5lQ5
— The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya) June 29, 2025
@overcomethebad said, "Only when it suits them. Once they get to the eating table, they lecture everyone else."
@sumoro added, "In the same breath, certain leaders are given to people to realize the need for exercising prudence in choice. Skewed arguments, while under unbelievable siege, are spins to scare people into submission."
@kaibseddie said, "It's called a revelation. It's never immediate. His has come after tasting the trappings of power. With it comes some certain wisdom. If he's fired, it goes away."
@broadbasefo brushed it off, saying, "If you understand politics, such things will not bother you."
CS Opiyo Wandayi has told Kenyans that leaders are appointed by God, urging them to respect President William Ruto. Below is a picture of the same Wandayi being arrested for protesting shortly after God appointed Ruto. pic.twitter.com/jvvXN5YOwI
— Dr. King'ori (Shaman) (@Dr_Kingori) June 30, 2025
Wandayi is, however, no stranger to controversy.
In March 2016, Wandayi faced a significant suspension from the Kenyan Parliament after disrupting President Uhuru Kenyatta's State of the Nation address, where he repeatedly blew a whistle.
When ordered by Speaker Justin Muturi to withdraw, Wandayi refused, leading to his suspension for the remainder of that parliamentary session.
This unprecedented move meant he was barred from parliamentary proceedings until February 2017, marking him as the first MP to endure such a lengthy suspension. During this period, he lost access to parliamentary precincts, privileges, and allowances, though his salary remained intact.
More than half a decade later, Wandayi, then MP for Ugunja and a vocal critic of the President William Ruto-led government, was arrested alongside Senator Stewart Madzayo at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), where they had joined other leaders in protest, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
During these protests, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International Kenya reported that at least 31 people died, with hundreds more injured due to excessive and unnecessary police force, including the use of lethal ammunition.