Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has criticized Siaya Governor James Orengo over what he described as poor development in the county under his leadership.
Speaking on Friday, March 19, Wandayi claimed that Orengo has not completed any major development projects, arguing that most of the ongoing initiatives in Siaya were started by the national government.
He challenged the governor to account for the billions of shillings allocated to the county by the exchequer.
“The development in the county is because of President William Ruto’s government. We do not know where the money disbursed to the county goes. Where does it go?” Wandayi posed.
The CS urged Orengo to set aside political differences with President Ruto and work with the national government.
“We do not want Siaya County to lag in matters of development. We demand that the county and its governor work together with the national government for the sake of our residents,” he stated.
Wandayi further accused Orengo of engaging in selfish and divisive politics, alleging that he had defied the late Raila Odinga by refusing to cooperate with Ruto’s administration.
He claimed the governor was advancing personal political interests and vowed not to allow youths from the region to be used as political pawns.
The Energy CS also confirmed that he would be at the forefront of campaigns for President Ruto’s re-election in the 2027 General Election.
His remarks come as President Ruto embarks on a four-day tour of the Nyanza region, amid a deteriorating relationship between the Head of State and Governor Orengo in recent weeks.
Orengo has alleged that his bodyguards and staff were arrested by security officers in Nairobi and Siaya ahead of the President’s visit.
The governor has maintained that he will not support Ruto and has previously called on Kenyans to take to the streets to push for his removal from office.
