Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has rallied residents of Siaya to support President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027, while urging increased voter registration and political unity to strengthen the region’s influence at the national level.
Wandayi said Siaya needed to increase its voter numbers to enhance its bargaining power and ensure the region had a stronger voice in national decision-making.
He spoke during a thanksgiving service for the AIC Tieng’o Church Sanctuary held at Ruma Secondary School grounds in Rarieda, Siaya County.
As we move forward, we must understand that our population, or the number of votes we have, will determine whether we, as the people of Siaya, have a place at the national decision-making table,” he said.
Wandayi challenged politicians seeking elective positions in the county to actively support voter registration, saying political aspirants should demonstrate their contribution to expanding the electorate before seeking residents’ support.
“There will be no free lunch. If you want us to support you for an elective position in this county, first and foremost, you must demonstrate that you are contributing actively towards voter registration,” he said.
He said increased voter registration would also enable Siaya to make a bigger contribution to the presidential vote and strengthen its influence in the 2027 General Election.
Voter registration will help us contribute to victory in the presidential election,” Wandayi said.)
The Cabinet Secretary expressed confidence in the development projects being implemented in the county by the Kenya Kwanza administration, saying they demonstrated the government’s commitment to the region.
“We have got projects in this county, which you could not have seen if it were not for the leadership of President William Ruto,” he said.
Wandayi urged residents to rally behind Ruto for a second term, arguing that continued political support would help sustain development projects in the region.
“We have no regret. We must come together and support the President to get his second term,” he said.
He also called for peace and political stability, saying a peaceful environment was essential for the county to attract investment and sustain development.
Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Stephen Isaboke said the government’s digital transformation agenda was creating opportunities for young people in Siaya and across the country.
Isaboke cited digital hubs in Rarieda and Bondo as examples of initiatives aimed at equipping young people with digital skills and connecting them to opportunities in the digital economy.
He said the Digital Superhighway was among President Ruto’s key development initiatives and was intended to expand access to digital services and opportunities.
“We work for His Excellency the President, Dr. William Samoei Ruto. He has put plans, and one of the plans is digital superhighway,” Isaboke said.
He noted that the digital hubs in Rarieda and Bondo were serving hundreds of young people from the area and beyond.
“All those things are meant to ensure our youth are empowered, and those have actually extended across the country,” he said.
Isaboke also called on Siaya residents to register as voters and support President Ruto in the 2027 election.
Several principal secretaries attending the event joined the call for support for Ruto’s second-term bid. They included PS for Trade Regina Ombam, PS for Public Investment and Asset Management Cyril Odede, PS for Economic Planning at the National Treasury Dr. Bonface B. Makokha, PS for Children Affairs Carren Ageng’o, and PS for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga.
Siaya Deputy Governor William Oduol supported the call for increased voter registration, urging politicians seeking elective positions to make a tangible contribution towards expanding the electorate.
Oduol said aspirants should not expect political support from residents without first helping them register as voters.
He also defended the Ruto administration’s development record in Siaya, saying the President had demonstrated commitment to the county through various projects.
Oduol, however, criticized Siaya Governor James Orengo over what he termed political theatrics and alleged presidential ambitions.
“We are used to those theatrics of Orengo,” Oduol said, challenging the governor to openly pursue a presidential bid if that was his intention.
He urged political leaders in the county to put aside their differences and unite in the interest of development.
Nyando MP Jared Okello called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to remain focused on preparations for the 2027 General Election and ensure the polls are credible.
“I want to invite the chairperson of IBC to stay put, never to be dissuaded. He should remain focused, keep his eye on the ball, and deliver credible polls next year,” Okello said.
The MP also declared his support for Ruto’s re-election, saying the administration had performed better than previous governments.
“That is the reason why we are lending full support to President Ruto for this election,” he said.
Okello said political leaders supporting Ruto were committed to his re-election campaign and would remain focused on securing a second term.
The event was also addressed by Bondo MP Gedion Ochanda and Migori Senator Eddy Oketch.
The gathering brought together government officials and political leaders, highlighting an increasingly coordinated campaign by Ruto allies in the region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Voter registration, development projects, and political unity emerged as the key messages as the leaders sought to consolidate support for the President in Siaya.
By Philip Onyango
