Ugenya MP David Ochieng’ has rejected calls from ODM Party Leader Dr. Oburu Oginga to rejoin the party if he hopes to become Siaya Governor, saying he does not need ODM’s endorsement to win.
Speaking during a familiarization tour in Jina, Gem constituency, Ochieng’, who leads the Movement for Democracy and Growth (MDG), expressed confidence in his ability to secure the county’s top seat without returning to ODM.
“I believe I have the capacity, the ability and the competence,” Ochieng’ told supporters. “I don’t need any party. I don’t need ODM, I don’t need Oburu or anybody. I just need the people who are here with me today.”
Ochieng’ argued that Siaya’s future should be determined by merit rather than party loyalty or backroom deals, especially in an election cycle that may not feature Raila Odinga on the ballot.
“Our best hope as a county, our best hope as a community Luoland without Raila is to ensure that our counties are run by competent people,” he said.
He also challenged the regional political establishment to allow open competition across Nyanza, urging democratic contests in neighboring counties.
He named several races where voters should decide freely: Migori’s contest involving Ochillo Ayacko and Nyamita; Homa Bay’s field including Gladys Wanga, Evans Kidero and Nicholas Magwanga; and the Kisumu contest featuring Ken Obura , Oron and Ojienda.
Returning to Siaya, Ochieng’ insisted that aspirants such as former Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo must be allowed to present their cases directly to the electorate without party interference. He warned that past negotiated alignments had cost the county progress.
“Don’t put us into negotiations! In 2013 we negotiated and ended up with Cornel Rasanga. In 2022 we negotiated; we lost,” he said. “What must happen? Siaya must be victorious.”
Vowing to remain in the race to the end, Ochieng’ pledged a determined campaign to win the governorship.
“I will stand firm, I will stand stable. I’ll defend the people of Siaya. I’ll be Governor of Siaya, come rain, come high water,” he told the crowd.
