Wandayi to Orengo: You would have seen dust if i did not drop Siaya governor bid

Wandayi has termed the remarks as unfortunate and aimed at whipping up political sympathy.

Wandayi, who did not accept or deny that Orengo helped him out of prison, said he also did the governor a favour by dropping his bid for governorship in 2022 at the instigation of late former prime minister, Raila Odinga.

“If it is about mentioning who helped who politically, in 2022, most people in Siaya wanted me to become the governor, but Raila Odinga prevailed on me to drop my bid in favour of Orengo,” said the Cabinet Secretary, adding, “If we were to go for nominations, he would have seen dust”.

According to Wandayi, Orengo is running away from accountability using political gimmicks, hoping that the residents would forget his administration’s shortcomings.

He was addressing a public baraza at Madungu in Ugunja constituency, flanked by the area member of parliament, Moses Omondi.

“The other day, I heard our claiming that he helped me out of prison and made me become Ugunja MP,” said Wandayi, adding, “Let me say this, bwana governor. This is not the time to tell us who helped who out of prison and not the time to tell us who made who to become an MP”.

Wandayi said that nothing will stop Siaya residents from demanding accountability from the governor.

The Cabinet Secretary told Orengo to prepare for a tough battle come the next general elections should he choose to defend his seat.

“If he wants to come back to the ODM party, he should prepare to face party nomination and face other candidates,” he said.

Wandayi called on the area residents to rally behind President William Ruto, who has done a lot for the region since ascending to the presidency.

The CS encouraged youths to register to vote in order to strengthen the region’s bargaining power.

On his part, Ugunja MP Moses Omondi described the broad-based government as a deliberate strategy for development rather than a political convenience and voiced confidence in ongoing infrastructure plans for Siaya.