Wanjigi criticises Nyanza leadership for failing their constituents
By Aloys Michael, April 18, 2026Safina Party leader Jimi Wanjigi has slammed political leaders in the Nyanza region, accusing them of betraying the interests of their constituents through what he termed ‘selfish compromise’ with the government.
“Leaders in this region must stop compromising the rights and lives of their people for selfish gain. You cannot align with a government that continues to burden citizens, borrow endlessly, and preside over suffering, then claim to represent the people,” he said.
Wanjigi further warned against what he described as attempts to erode the region’s political identity, invoking the legacy of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
“We will not allow this government to force itself onto the political foundation built by our father, Raila Odinga, and dismantle it for selfish gain. The people of this region must remain vigilant. Your leaders are failing you,” he stated.
This comes as fresh cracks have emerged in the Orange Democratic Movement’s (ODM) continued association with the Kenya Kwanza administration under the broad-based government arrangement.
The simmering tensions came into sharp focus on Friday, April 17, 2026, during separate political and empowerment events attended by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula in Migori and Homa Bay counties, as the contentious issue of electoral zoning ahead of the 2027 General Election dominated the discourse.
Speaking in Ndhiwa Constituency, Homa Bay County, during a women’s empowerment fundraiser, Wetang’ula cautiously waded into the debate, reminding residents of the origins of the engagement between ODM and the ruling Kenya Kwanza administration.
“I want to thank the people of Nyanza for being steadfast and firm. Even when we campaigned here in previous elections, no was no and yes was yes. That is the same conviction Raila Odinga had when he agreed that ODM works with Kenya Kwanza under the broad-based arrangement and allowed some of your leaders to serve in government. That is the position you should uphold,” he said.
In Migori County, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, who joined the Speaker during a youth empowerment fundraiser, sought to allay fears that the political relationship between ODM and its Kenya Kwanza allies was on the verge of collapse.
“Even in a marriage, it is not always blissful; there are bound to be issues. The ODM-UDA matters will be resolved through negotiation. We will not part ways; we will talk and find common ground,” Senator Cheruiyot said.
In the chessboard is the proposal to introduce zoning ahead of the 2027 polls, a move that has attracted growing resistance from grassroots supporters and sharply divided leaders in both ODM and UDA.
Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo called for a structured conversation on the matter.
“We must have a structured negotiation on the question of zoning, whether it is good or bad. Those in ODM must exercise restraint and focus on negotiating solutions to the thorny issues,” he said.