By ERIC JUMA
Movement for Growth and Democracy (MDG) leader and Ugenya MP David Ochieng has called for free and fair elections in Siaya County, saying residents should be allowed to elect leaders of their choice without intimidation, coercion or political imposition.
Speaking at Nango Centre in Bondo Sub-county, Ochieng argued that democracy in the Nyanza region has not fully flourished because political parties often dictate candidates, denying voters the freedom to choose leaders based on merit.
“Democracy has not thrived in Nyanza despite one of our own championing the fight for multiparty democracy. Voters are often influenced or pressured to support candidates preferred by political parties. Once elected, such leaders pay more attention to party interests than the needs of the people,” he said.
The legislator said all elective positions in the 2027 General Election should be open to competitive contests and that the electorate should be free to scrutinise candidates before making their choice.
“Anyone who wishes to vie for any elective seat should be given an equal opportunity to compete. The people must be allowed to vet candidates and elect leaders of their choice without coercion,” Ochieng said.
He urged Siaya residents to elect leaders with clear development agendas instead of those relying on political endorsements.
“Do not elect people who have no agenda. If you do, you risk condemning yourselves to another five years of suffering,” he said.
Ochieng also exuded confidence that he would win the Siaya gubernatorial seat in the 2027 elections, saying his development record as Ugenya MP speaks for itself.
“My development record speaks for itself and I am ready for any challenge in 2027. My bid for the Siaya governorship is unstoppable. The election will be about fighting poverty and bringing change. If you vote for me, you will have voted for transformation that will improve your lives within a short time,” he said.
The MP praised former Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga for laying a solid development foundation despite facing prolonged election petitions after the 2017 polls.
“Although he lost valuable time in court following election petitions, Rasanga still managed to initiate significant development projects after the courts upheld his victory. Those projects are visible across parts of Siaya and provide a foundation upon which we can build,” he said.
Ochieng promised to accelerate development if elected governor, saying Siaya had lagged behind other counties despite its vast economic potential.
“I have worked for the people of Ugenya and it pains me whenever I travel to counties such as Murang’a, Kiambu and Kakamega and see the level of development there while Siaya continues to lag behind because leaders spend too much time politicking,” he said.
He pledged to transform Siaya into an economic hub through investments in agriculture, fisheries, mining, tourism, women’s empowerment and infrastructure.
Among his proposals is the establishment of a women’s empowerment fund to provide affordable loans to small-scale traders and self-help groups.
“I want to end the suffering that widows and other women undergo because of predatory lenders. Individuals will be eligible for loans of between Sh10,000 and Sh50,000, while organised groups will access loans of Sh100,000 and above at affordable interest rates,” he said.
To boost agricultural production, Ochieng pledged to subsidise farm inputs, including certified seeds and fertiliser.
“As we did in Ugenya, we shall ensure farmers access quality seeds at subsidised prices. Fertiliser procured by the government at about Sh2,500 per bag will be made available to Siaya farmers at around Sh1,250,” he said.
He also outlined plans to support poultry, livestock and horticulture farming through the provision of chicks, irrigation equipment, water pumps, pipes and quality seeds.
“We shall train women’s groups in poultry farming before supplying them with chicks. Those interested in livestock farming will receive similar support, while horticultural farmers will benefit from irrigation equipment and improved seeds,” he said.
On the blue economy, Ochieng said his administration would prioritise local fishing communities by providing fishing boats, nets, fish feeds and fingerlings, while constructing fish processing and cold storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses.
“I want local communities living along Lake Victoria to benefit directly from the lake’s resources. We shall establish fish processing plants and cold storage facilities so that fish can fetch better prices,” he said.
The legislator also pledged to protect artisanal gold miners from exploitation, accusing foreign investors of benefiting disproportionately from the region’s mineral wealth.
“It is unfortunate that foreign investors make fortunes from our gold while local artisanal miners remain poor. My administration will prioritise their safety and ensure they benefit from the county’s mineral resources,” he said.
To promote tourism, Ochieng proposed the construction of five-star hotels in Usenge, Lwanda Kotieno, Wich Lum and Wagusu, saying the facilities could attract international hotel chains and increase tourism revenue.
He also suggested establishing a wildlife conservancy in Central Sakwa, subject to consultations with landowners, and developing tourism infrastructure around areas inhabited by hippopotamuses and crocodiles.
On water access, Ochieng pledged to ensure every household has access to piped water.
“It is unacceptable that, more than a decade after devolution, our people are still forced to fetch water from the lake and are sometimes attacked by crocodiles and hippos. If elected, I will prioritise water projects to ensure every home has access to clean and safe water,” he said.
He said Siaya’s abundant water resources, including Lake Victoria, Lakes Kanyaboli, Sare and Namboyo, as well as Rivers Yala and Nzoia, provide an opportunity to solve the county’s water challenges if properly harnessed.
