Former Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga has told ODM leader Oburu Oginga to abandon his 2027 senatorial ambitions or risk defeat at the ballot, insisting that he is fully prepared to contest the seat.
Rasanga said he will not withdraw his bid in favour of Oburu, whom he accused of betrayal after allegedly going back on an earlier understanding that he would support Rasanga’s candidacy.
“Dr Oburu has betrayed me by declaring his re-election bid instead of endorsing me as earlier agreed,” Rasanga said, adding that he had previously supported Oburu only to be sidelined.
He spoke at his home on Tuesday, June 3, 2026, where he hosted clergy members who prayed for his 2027 Senate bid.
Rasanga described Oburu as both a friend and relative, but insisted that political competition was now inevitable.
“We had agreed that he would back my senatorial bid in 2027, but he has decided to contest against me. Now that he has declared his intention, I will also be on the ballot and voters will decide,” he said.
He further warned that he could leave ODM if the party ticket is awarded unfairly.
“I am a committed ODM member, but if the ticket is handed directly to someone else, I will seek the seat on another party,” he said.
Rasanga said he is banking on his development record as Siaya governor to win support in the race.
He urged his rivals, including Governance Chief Officer Walter Okello, politician Nick Ongoro, and CPA Zacky Masiro, to prepare for a competitive contest.
He also outlined plans to revive stalled development projects, including proposals linked to higher education institutions in Siaya.
Rasanga said he previously worked on ideas including the establishment of a university in the county, as well as strengthening existing academic institutions, arguing that education-driven growth would boost the local economy.
He added that he would push for economic expansion through strategic urban development if elected senator.
On economic policy, Rasanga said he intends to push for amendments to the procurement law to increase the youth, women, and persons with disabilities tender allocation from 30 percent to 45 percent.
He argued that the current allocation is inadequate given that these groups form the majority of the population.
He also claimed that even the existing 30 percent procurement allocation is often misdirected and not benefiting the intended groups.
Rasanga further said he will advocate for legislation to ensure that Jua Kali artisans directly benefit from government tenders to strengthen the informal sector.
His bid has already received support from a section of MCAs, including Sigomere MCA Andrew Omwende and Central Alego MCA David Ragen-Ababa, who endorsed his candidacy.
Church leaders led by Siaya Church Leadership Forum chairman James Opiyo Anyango also expressed support, saying they would pray for God’s guidance on the matter.
The Siaya Senate seat race is already attracting several contenders, including youthful aspirants such as Oscar Omondi, Antony Agok, CPA Zacky Masiro, and Nick Ongoro.
