Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary James Opiyo Wandayi has urged residents of the Nyanza region to abandon high-stakes political guesswork and rally behind President William Ruto’s administration to secure sustainable development.
Speaking at Karapul in Siaya County during the burial of Mzee Esau Oyiro Ogeya, Mr. Wandayi stressed that the region can no longer afford to play “trial-and-error” politics at the expense of economic progress.
”The politics that we will not engage in is the politics of pure guesswork, the politics of trial-and-error,” Wandayi told mourners. “Politics is the driver of development, and we cannot gamble with it at all.”
The Cabinet Secretary invoked the legacy of opposition chief Raila Odinga, stating that the political direction set out for the region remains unchanged.
He emphasized that as steadfast followers, leaders in Nyanza have a duty to keep the community on a path that balances political strategy with tangible economic growth.
”Raila himself showed us the path the political path and the path to development as well,” Wandayi said. “As his followers, our main duty is to remain on that path.”
Highlighting the need for inter-county collaboration, Wandayi called for solidarity among leaders and residents across Siaya, Busia, Kakamega, Vihiga, and Kisumu counties.
He noted that socio-economic development requires a united front across the western region.
Wandayi praised President Ruto’s development track record in the region, signaling that the community should back the Head of State for a second term in office.
”When the coming year arrives, without a doubt, we will ask you to support His Excellency President Ruto so he can secure his second term,” he declared.
He cautioned against political isolation, warning that dragging the region backward while the rest of the nation moves forward would be detrimental to local interests.
”When other Kenyans are moving forward in development, we the people of Siaya must also forge ahead alongside all other Kenyans,” Wandayi added.
