Energy Cabinet Secretary (CS), Opiyo Wandayi, has hailed President William Ruto’s for consistently demonstrating commitment to the welfare and development of the Kenyans, including people from the Nyanza region.
Speaking at Mabinju village in South Gem Location, Gem Constituency, during the launch of a rural electrification project, Wandayi urged the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders to remain firm and consistent regarding their position on the Broad-Based Government.
He said it was disheartening that some leaders were engaging in double-speak while benefiting from the government’s development interventions.
Flanked by Gem Member of Parliament Elisha Odhiambo, the Cabinet Secretary dismissed leaders attempting to destabilise the working relationship between ODM and the President, terming their actions selfish and politically shortsighted.
Wandayi said the country’s political landscape is currently shaped by two major formations, one led by President Ruto and another by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and dismissed attempts to introduce a third force as unrealistic.
“You are either with President Ruto or with Gachagua,” he said, adding that the Nyanza region was firmly aligned with the President due to his ongoing development agenda.
On infrastructure, Wandayi announced that the government has allocated over Sh2.2 billion for rural electrification in Siaya County during the current Financial Year.
The CS said Sh250 million will be channelled to Gem Constituency alone, targeting the connection of more than 4,000 households.
Wandayi added that the national government has also invested billions in projects that ideally fall under county functions, underscoring its commitment to complementing local development.
Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo applauded the government’s efforts to uplift residents but criticised a section of Nyanza leaders for undermining those appointed by the President.
By Philip Onyango
