Siaya Residents Tell off CS Wandayi, Demand Respect for Governor Orengo

• Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi faces allegations of sabotaging Governor James Orengo’s leadership
• A section of Siaya residents claimed Wandayi is using his Cabinet position to cause divisions in the county
• Wandayi accused Orengo of wasting much energy on criticising President William Ruto's administration instead of working for the Siaya people

Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Siaya - A section of Siaya residents has called out Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, accusing him of interfering with county matters and undermining Governor James Orengo’s leadership.

Why Opiyo Wandayi faces criticism?

They expressed their displeasure, urging the CS to steer clear of local politics and allow the county boss to carry out his responsibilities without undue influence.

“We are disturbed by the way Wandayi is attacking our governor,” said Francis Oduor Amollo, popularly known as Simba.

Simba said it was not the time for personal vendettas, adding that Orengo was working for the people of Siaya and deserves support, not sabotage.

The tension stems from remarks made by Wandayi last week, where he openly criticised Orengo's performance.

However, residents who gathered in Siaya town on Thursday, May 15, strongly defended the governor, lauding his development track record and warning against what they termed as political sabotage.

Youth leader Sam Pesa also intervened, condemning Wandayi's deliberate efforts to create rifts within the county leadership.

According to Pesa, the former National Assembly minority leader was using his Cabinet position to undermine Orengo's leadership.

He asked Wandayi to allow Orengo, who was elected by the people, to deliver on his mandate without interference.

“A Cabinet position is not a tool for causing divisions, Orengo was elected by the people, and he must be given space to deliver without being undermined," Pesa said.

How Wandayi criticised Orengo

As reported earlier, Orengo faced sharp criticism from ODM leaders over his firm opposition to the party’s working agreement with Ruto’s administration.

During Wandayi’s visit to Sigomere, Ugunga, where he was consoling a family that tragically lost nine members in a house fire, several leaders openly condemned the Siaya governor.

Although the visit was intended to offer sympathy and support, it quickly became an opportunity for the Cabinet secretary to voice strong grievances against the county leadership.

Wandayi, a former Ugunja MP and influential ODM member, did not hold back in criticising Orengo’s administration.

He lamented what he described as a total collapse of essential services in Siaya, highlighting the poor state of healthcare in the county.

Why should Orengo leave ODM?

Previously, Siaya senator Oburu Odinga condemned party members opposing the cooperation between Raila Odinga and Ruto.

He singled out Orengo, urging those dissatisfied with the alliance to leave ODM.

Oburu expressed disappointment at the internal divisions, saying critics were damaging the party from within and should instead raise their concerns from outside the party.

He stressed that the partnership was benefiting the Luo community and called on members to back it.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke