SIAYA,Kenya Jun 29 –Leaders from the Nyanza region have intensified their support for the Broad-Based Government, urging residents to embrace cooperation with President William Ruto’s administration instead of returning to opposition politics and street protests.
The leaders made the remarks during separate church fundraising events in Ugunja and Ugenya constituencies, arguing that direct engagement with the national government presents greater opportunities for development than political confrontation.
Among those present were Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Ugenya MP David Ochieng, Luanda MP David Maungu, Uriri MP Mark Nyamita, and former Busia Woman Representative Florence Mutua. They dismissed criticism of the political partnership between President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga, describing the arrangement as beneficial to the region.
Speaking at Ngunya Catholic Church in Ugunja, Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi criticized recent remarks by Siaya Governor James Orengo, who had urged residents to reject the alliance with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Wandayi argued that President Ruto has consistently supported the region’s political aspirations over the years, citing his backing of Raila Odinga’s 2007 presidential bid.
“If being part of the government is considered a bad thing, then what is the better alternative? For many years, we fought to have a place in government. Today, the development agenda of Siaya County and the wider Nyanza region has been fully integrated into President Ruto’s plans,” Wandayi said.
He added that the region is now better positioned to influence national development priorities through Cabinet representation and closer collaboration with the national government.
At a separate fundraiser at St. Catherine Yogo Catholic Church in East Ugenya, Ugenya MP David Ochieng said the region should focus on securing influential Cabinet portfolios capable of driving economic transformation rather than pursuing political offices.
“As a community, it is more strategic to have key ministries such as Health, Agriculture, Finance and Water than to focus on the Deputy President’s position. These ministries have a direct impact on the lives of our people,” Ochieng said.
He added that the region would continue supporting Deputy President Kithure Kindiki while advocating for more strategic Cabinet positions for leaders from Nyanza.
“We want the country to see that when we are entrusted with responsibility, we deliver results,” he said.
Luanda MP David Maungu acknowledged that he had participated in anti-government demonstrations in 2023 and 2024 but said the protests had not addressed the region’s economic challenges.
“In 2023 and 2024, I joined the protests believing they would bring change. Looking back, they did not solve our problems. Today, if we need electricity or development projects, we can engage directly with Cabinet Secretaries such as Opiyo Wandayi and John Mbadi. We are now inside the system, and there is no reason to return to throwing stones from outside,” Maungu said.
Uriri MP Mark Nyamita called on residents to take advantage of ongoing national government projects valued at more than KSh200 billion across the region.
He urged the government to prioritize local youth and contractors in implementing the projects, saying this would create jobs, stimulate economic growth and reduce unemployment.
“We want these investments to benefit our communities directly. Our young people must be empowered through employment and business opportunities so they are not easily manipulated for political gain,” Nyamita said.
Former Busia Woman Representative Florence Mutua also encouraged residents to remain committed to the Broad-Based Government, saying the arrangement accommodates diverse political interests while creating opportunities for inclusive development.
The leaders maintained that Nyanza’s future lies in constructive engagement with the national government, describing the partnership as a significant political shift for a region that has historically been associated with opposition politics.
