Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi urged residents of the Nyanza region to abandon street protests and back President William Ruto’s re‑election campaign in 2027, citing the broad‑based government’s progress in the area.
Speaking at a function in Nyakach, Wandayi said the region had endured the negative impacts of demonstrations for many years and should now concentrate on development. He added that past protests were driven by a desire for a government that favored the people, but that the alliance between Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga had finally yielded tangible benefits.
The cabinet secretary praised Senator Tom Ojienda for remaining steadfast in his support of the broad‑based coalition, describing him as one of the few politicians with a consistent stance. Wandayi credited Ojienda for championing Ruto’s agenda and pushing for the president’s second term.
Wandayi stated that the Ruto administration had delivered recognition and development opportunities long sought by the region. He remarked, “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 acknowledged that the people of this region deserve development just like other Kenyans.”
The cabinet secretary warned that some politicians were misleading residents with opposition rhetoric and called for an end to such spurious appeals. He urged the Luo community to refrain from protests and instead engage in constructive dialogue.
Wandayi highlighted the broad‑based partnership’s role in unlocking development projects in Nyanza, particularly in electrical connectivity. He noted that Nyakach constituency received Sh210 million to connect more than 2,600 households to electricity, while Kisumu County was allocated Sh1.4 billion for power projects. He concluded, “Nyakach and the 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.”