Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi speaking during a church fundraiser in Ugunja on Sunday./FAITH MATETE
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has intensified his criticism of Siaya Governor James Orengo over his opposition to the broad-based government, saying Nyanza has already made its choice to work with President William Ruto's administration in pursuit of development.
Speaking during a church fundraiser in Ugunja on Sunday, Wandayi said leaders should not confuse residents by discouraging them from working with the national government after years of demanding inclusion in government.
"We have respected Governor James Orengo throughout his political career as a Member of Parliament, Senator and now Governor. But we plead with him to allow the people of Siaya to decide where they want to go," Wandayi said.
He questioned Orengo's criticism of the broad-based government, arguing that it was illogical to oppose a government that was finally investing in the region.
Ugenya MP David Ochieng and Uriri MP Mark Nyamita in Ugenya. Courtesy.
Wandayi argued that after years of agitating to be part of government, the region now has an opportunity to influence national development from within.
"If staying in government is bad, then I don't understand that logic. For many years, we fought to be part of the government. Now that we are finally there, why should anyone say it is a bad thing? What exactly does he want?" he posed.
The CS declared that Siaya County would rally behind President Ruto's re-election in 2027, insisting the support was based on development and not on his appointment to the Cabinet.
"We are not supporting President Ruto because he appointed Wandayi as Cabinet Secretary. We have reasons to support him. He is the first President to recognise that people from this region deserve equal development like all other Kenyans," he said.
According to Wandayi, President Ruto has ensured Nyanza is no longer left behind in national development.
He warned leaders against creating divisions in the county, saying he would personally campaign across Siaya to popularise President Ruto ahead of the 2027 General Election.
"I will move across Siaya, starting with Ugunja, because we will not allow anyone to bring confusion here. I will personally ensure our votes remain intact," Wandayi said.
Former Busia Woman representative Florence Mutua./Faith Matete
"When we vote for President Ruto, we will be voting for someone we know," Wandayi said.
His remarks come amid growing differences within ODM over the broad-based arrangement with President Ruto, with Governor Orengo emerging as one of the alliance's strongest critics.
At a separate church fundraiser at St Catherine's Yogo Parish in Ugenya Constituency, several leaders backed Wandayi's position, insisting that Nyanza stands to benefit more by remaining in government than by returning to opposition politics.
Ugenya MP David Ochieng said the region should focus on securing influential Cabinet ministries instead of demanding the deputy presidency.
"As a community, it is wiser to have ministries such as Health, Agriculture, Finance and Water than to chase the Deputy Presidency. We want positions that can directly transform the lives of our people," Ochieng said.
He said they would ask the President to retain Deputy President Kithure Kindiki while giving the community several key ministries, including Education, so the country could see what they could achieve when given the opportunity.
Luanda MP David Maungu said his experience participating in anti-government demonstrations had convinced him that protests alone could not address the region's development challenges.
"In 2023 and 2024, I carried a sufuria on my head during demonstrations, but did that solve our problems?" he said.
The MP added that today, whenever people need electricity or development, they turn to one of their own cabinet secretaries because they are now part of the government and should not return to throwing stones from outside.
Former Busia Woman Representative Florence Mutua urged residents to support the political direction championed by Raila, saying the broad-based arrangement had created room for cooperation across political parties.
Meanwhile, Uriri MP Mark Nyamita called for local youth and contractors to benefit from ongoing national government projects in the region, saying economic empowerment would help address unemployment and reduce the political exploitation of young people.
He said projects worth about Sh200 billion are currently underway in the region and should create opportunities for local businesses and skilled youth.
