Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary (CS) Opiyo Wandayi has called on leaders and residents from the Nyanza region to work closely with the national government to unlock development opportunities.

In a statement shared on X on Friday, March 20, 2026, CS Wandayi spoke about the region’s political journey and the need to shift strategy moving forward.

Wandayi reflected on the long history of opposition politics in the region, recalling the sacrifices many people have made over the years while pushing for justice and rights. He stated that he himself is among many Nyanza region leaders who have been imprisoned for fighting for justice and human rights.

“Sisi watu hapa wa Kijaluo tumekuwa kwa upinzani kwa miaka mingi sana. Mimimwenyewe nimekuwa mstari wa mbele kupigania haki za kibinadamu, na katika harakati hizo nimeona shida mingi sana. Tumekula teargas, nimeshikwa na polisi, nimeenda gerezani na hakuna shida hatujawai ona,” the CS stated.

He also referred to the political direction given by the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, saying it guided the region toward working with the current President William Ruto’s administration.

He further urged governors from the region, specifically pointing out Siaya County under the leadership of Governor James Orengo, to join the government so that the region can realise its full potential.

“Raila Amolo Odinga alituonyesha barabara ya kisiasa kabla aage dunia; alituambia tuingie serikali ya William Rutona hapo ndio tuko sasa. Hatutaki county ya Siaya ibaki nyuma kwa maendeleo; tunataka magavana wetu wafanye kazi na serikali kuu ili tupate maendeleo. Tumpigie kura William Ruto kwa awamu ya pili ili tupate maendeleo,” CS Wandayi stated.

Wandayi further raised concern about how young people from the region have been used in political struggles for many years without benefiting from government programmes.

“Our boys and girls have been used for too long; sisi hatutoki tena kwa serikali,” Wandayi stated.