By Special Correspondent
Movement for Development and Growth (MDG) leader David Ochieng has challenged pro-government politicians campaigning for President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election to prioritize a clear, negotiable development agenda for the Nyanza region rather than relying on empty political endorsements.
Speaking to residents at Segere in Central Alego on Sunday, the Ugenya Member of Parliament stated that the recurring “two-term chorus” for President Ruto, heard frequently at political rallies across Luo Nyanza, will not automatically guarantee votes unless backed by visible economic benefits for the community.
Ochieng argued that rhetoric alone has done little to improve local livelihoods, suggesting that some leaders appear more focused on securing individual political survival and privileges than advancing regional growth.
“We need to move beyond the two-term chorus we hear at public gatherings and engage the President in proper consultations on tangible projects the region stands to benefit from if he is re-elected,” Ochieng said.
“I want to ask ODM to engage the President on a proper agenda that will unlock the potential of Lake Victoria, tourism, and Western Kenya. A second term is important, but it cannot be an end in itself.”
The lawmaker emphasized that the Luo community must leverage its representation in the broad-based government to negotiate for major infrastructure and economic projects rather than expending energy on internal political supremacy battles. While acknowledging that the broad-based governance framework has brought modest gains, he maintained that the region’s broader economic needs remain largely unmet.
Addressing ODM leaders serving in the Kenya Kwanza administration, Ochieng cautioned against coercing voters based on personal portfolios or past alliances.
“ODM leaders who earned portfolios in the current regime should not coerce voters to support Ruto because of the benefits they have received as individuals or because the administration supported the late Raila Odinga. What about the future?” he asked.
Ochieng Faults Siaya County Development Record
Ochieng, who has declared his intent to run for Siaya Governor in the 2027 General Election, took aim at successive county administrations for what he described as a poor track record in utilizing devolved funds since 2013.
He expressed regret that while devolution has transformed former marginalized areas across the country, counties traditionally considered political strongholds have lagged behind despite receiving billions of shillings in annual allocations. He attributed the slow growth to weak financial management, poor planning, and a failure to engage local professionals.
“The minimal development we are witnessing in Siaya County is alarming and not what devolution was meant to achieve,” Ochieng noted, attributing the shortfall to the historical election of leaders imposed on voters without clear development blueprints.
Vows Unstoppable Gubernatorial Bid
The Ugenya legislator asserted that his gubernatorial campaign is firmly on course, warning political detractors that they will be swept aside by an incoming MDG political wave.
“I am very clear in my mind about what Siaya needs. I have a proper agenda, plan, and quality manifesto for the people of Siaya,” he said, noting that he has spent the past five months traversing the county to engage voters directly.
Ochieng dismissed smear tactics from political opponents, specifically calling out former Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo over alleged rumors regarding his heritage.
“Gumbo lost to Cornel Rasanga in 2017 and James Orengo in 2022. In 2027, I will give him the same treatment,” Ochieng declared, challenging ODM and other political parties to field strong candidates for a competitive contest.
Among his urban planning proposals, Ochieng pledged to relocate the Siaya Main Prison away from the town center to free up prime land for commercial investment.
Pledges Water, Healthcare, and Economic Reforms
Outlining his key priorities for Siaya County, Ochieng promised comprehensive reforms across vital sectors if elected governor:
- Water Access: Leveraging the county’s five lakes, two major rivers, and 30 streams to ensure piped water reaches every household compound.
- Healthcare Upgrades: Modernizing local medical facilities to provide specialized services such as X-rays and oncology, reducing reliance on referrals to Kisumu.
- Agricultural Expansion: Boosting horticulture and poultry farming while supplying farmers with subsidized, high-quality seeds.
- Industrialization: Constructing a local fish-processing factory and reviving a cotton ginnery to process locally grown cotton for school uniform manufacturing, creating sustainable local jobs.
“2027 has a date with the people of Siaya,” Ochieng concluded. “My heart, mind, and body are focused on working for our people so that we can address the real challenges facing them.”
