Wandayi to Nyanza residents: Shun protests and back Ruto's re-election bid

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has urged residents of the Nyanza region to abandon street protests and support President William Ruto's re-election bid in 2027, saying the broad-based government has brought tangible development to the region. 

Speaking during a function in Nyakach on Sunday, Wandayi said the region had experienced the negative effects of demonstrations for many years and should now focus on development. 

"We the people of this region have seen the effects of protests. We have protested all these years seeking our rights and a government that sides with the people. Because Raila Odinga showed us a political road leading to development under President Ruto, we have no reason to go back to the streets for protests," said Wandayi.

 The CS praised Senator Tom Ojienda for his unwavering support of the broad-based government, describing him as one of the few politicians who has remained consistent in his political position. 

"Senator Ojienda has been on the frontline supporting the broad-based government. He has taken a strong stand from the beginning until now. Many politicians in this country do not have a stand, but Ojienda is different. His position is known day and night," he said.

Wandayi further claimed that Ojienda had consistently championed President Ruto's political agenda and efforts aimed at securing a second term for the Head of State.

 He argued that the President Rut-ledd administration had given the region recognition and development opportunities that residents had long demanded. 

"As the people of this region, we declare our support for President Ruto's bid for a second term because he is the first leader to recognise us as real Kenyans. He has recognised that the people of this region deserve development just like other Kenyans," he said.

 Wandayi accused some politicians of misleading residents through calls for opposition politics and protests. 

"I want to tell them, wherever they are, listen to me keenly. Stop misleading the Luo community. If they want to protest, go alone with their wives and children," he said. 

The CS said the broad-based arrangement between President Ruto and the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga had unlocked development projects in Nyanza, particularly in electricity connectivity. 

According to Wandayi, Nyakach constituency has received Sh210 million to connect more than 2,600 households to electricity, while Kisumu County has been allocated Sh1.4 billion for power connectivity projects. 

"Nyakach and this region have remained in the dark for many years. We thank Raila and Ruto for the broad-based government. Together, we will move forward as ODM," he said.