By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 13 January 2026 - Former Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga has mounted a spirited defence of Governor James Orengo’s leadership style, urging politicians to tone down on their criticism and allow the county boss time and space to deliver on his mandate.
Speaking on Tuesday during the burial of Edwin Paul Otieno Mboha in South East Alego, Rasanga dismissed early “one-term” chants against Orengo as premature and counterproductive, warning that incessant political noise risks undermining service delivery and economic progress in Siaya.
Rasanga argued that judgment on Orengo’s leadership should be reserved for the 2027 General Election, noting that democratic accountability is best exercised at the ballot rather than through sustained public attacks that destabilise governance.
“There have been noises made by certain politicians keen on destabilising Orengo’s leadership,” Rasanga said, adding that such conduct could reduce Siaya into a political spectacle despite its long history of political sophistication.
He cautioned that internal wrangles would only invite ridicule from political competitors elsewhere.
The former governor warned of what he termed orchestrated attempts by some leaders to disrupt county operations, saying such “sinister motives” were particularly unacceptable in a county regarded as the political backyard of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Accompanied by Siaya Township MCA James Obiero Otare, former South East Alego MCA Joseph Mboha, and nominated MCAs Rose Rabinya and Alice Ochieng, Rasanga said excessive criticism directed at the governor should be restrained to avoid paralysing leadership and undermining service delivery.
He emphasised the importance of political stability and predictability, arguing that development projects thrive best in an environment free from constant political bickering. While acknowledging that criticism is part of democratic discourse, Rasanga said it must be exercised responsibly.
“My concern is that too much noise is coming from Alego/Usonga constituency and it must stop,” he said, adding that some politicians were raising “petty issues that can be resolved in-house” purely to gain political relevance.
Drawing from his own experience as governor between 2013 and 2022, Rasanga warned that even minimal political noise could create chaos within government. He recalled advising Alego/Usonga MP Samuel Atandi to exercise restraint during his tenure.
“We gave Orengo a full mandate in 2022. That level of support deserves respect from elected leaders,” Rasanga said, cautioning that constant attacks could demoralise the governor and slow service delivery.
However, Rasanga was keen to clarify that his defence of Orengo did not amount to an endorsement for a second term. He said the electorate would ultimately judge the governor based on performance in 2027.
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“I just want Orengo to complete his term peacefully. If he performs well, he earns another term; if not, the voters will decide otherwise,” he said.
In the same breath, Rasanga declared his intention to vie for the Siaya Senate seat in 2027 on an ODM ticket, calling on residents to support his bid.
He said his return to elective politics was driven by a desire to push for development projects, particularly those aimed at expanding Siaya town.
Rasanga expressed concern over what he described as interference with the establishment of the School of Agriculture under Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), a project he said he negotiated alongside Raila Odinga during his tenure.
“My vision as the first governor was to expand Siaya economically through institutions of higher learning,” he said, adding that attempts by the current administration to relocate the School of Agriculture from Siaya ATC were unacceptable to him.
He further claimed that plans to integrate institutions such as Mbeji Academy, St Juliance, and Bikra Academy into a JOOUST campus had stalled, pledging to revive the initiative should he clinch the Senate seat.
Rasanga cited significant investments already committed to the projects, including tens of millions of shillings allocated in previous budgets.
Rasanga also lamented difficulties in attracting a sugarcane factory to Siaya, despite interest from Indian investors, blaming the setback on his lack of a formal political office.
“I have decided not to hang my political boots yet until I bring a sugarcane factory to Siaya,” he said, arguing that some leaders had dismissed him due to his current non-elective status.
Rasanga’s remarks underscored a call for political restraint in Siaya, framing stability as a prerequisite for development while positioning himself for a political comeback in 2027.
