Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has moved swiftly to dismantle local political fragmentation in Siaya County, declaring that the region has completely closed its doors to fringe parties and independent political movements outside the ODM and broad-based coalition.
Speaking to residents in Urefu village, Ugunja sub-county, Wandayi asserted that he has successfully consolidated the county’s political infrastructure.
He noted that political actors who previously drifted away including those linked to past alternative platforms like “Linda Wananchi” have largely been pulled back into the fold, leaving virtually no room for competing political entities.
Wandayi took aim at emerging fringe formations, pointing out that local voters have already made up their minds and harbor no appetite for political confusion.
While acknowledging that leaders are free to explore alternative paths, he maintained that Siaya’s political bloc remains undivided.
”In this county of ours, Siaya, there is very little chance or room for any other political party other than ODM and the broad-based coalition to win any seat,” Wandayi stated.
Addressing Governor James Orengo’s recent political realignments and the launch of a new fringe party, Wandayi signaled that Orengo is welcome to return to the broad-based fold, but warned that local voters are accustomed to moving, walking, and voting in a single, unified direction.
The Cabinet Secretary reaffirmed his unshakeable commitment to the national partnership between ODM and President William Ruto’s UDA, emphasizing that it is incumbent upon leaders to strengthen this alliance.
Wandayi announced that while he will personally stay out of local elective county campaigns until ODM produces credible nominees, he will deploy his full political machinery to back party candidates across all positions from Member of County Assembly (MCA) to governor once primaries are concluded.
”Our people are used to speaking in one voice and walking together,” Wandayi said, framing the county as a stronghold for both President William Ruto and ODM leadership under Dr. Oburu Oginga.
