Alego-Usonga MP Samuel Onunga Atandi has backed down in his escalating standoff with Siaya Governor James Aggrey Bob Orengo over the contested relocation of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) facilities, calling off a major public protest that was slated for Thursday, September 11.
In what political observers see as the first sign of compromise in the stalemate, Atandi issued a public notice on Wednesday afternoon confirming that the planned demonstrations in Siaya town had been cancelled following consultations with stakeholders ranging from clergy to business leaders and security agencies.
The MP admitted receiving “calls from various stakeholders and residents expressing support for my initiative” but also cautioning that shadowy forces were plotting to turn the protests into a “political crisis” with possible destruction of property.
“I have listened to their counsel,” Atandi said in his statement, striking a tone that critics argue was more retreat than recalibration.
Instead of the protest rally, Atandi announced that the debate on whether the contested FTC land should host a university or the new county headquarters will now be taken to ward-based forums at dates yet to be announced.
“Siaya residents are urged to maintain peace and not turn our county headquarters into a criminal enterprise through violence, looting and destruction of property—especially because of the upcoming investment conference organized by the County Government to be attended by President William Ruto and Prime Minister Raila Odinga,” Atandi noted.
The move effectively lifts pressure off Governor Orengo, who has faced resistance over plans to situate the new Siaya County headquarters on the disputed land. For weeks, Atandi had positioned himself as the loudest voice of opposition, rallying locals behind JOOUST’s retention. His sudden change of tack now casts the battle as less of a public duel and more of a behind-the-scenes chess match.
In the meantime Eng. Maurice Mc’Orege, CECM Lands, issued a media statement at about the same time clarifying that a high-powered delegation headed by County Secretary Joseph Ogutu and Prof Dennis Mc’Ochuodho, Deputy Vice Chancellor JOOUST had participated in signing a Memorandum of Understanding. The County Government further stated that there’s no intention of relocating the university but there’s need to reassess the terms of tenure on FTC land. The detailed clarification has widely been circulated in Siaya Whatsapp platforms.
Analysts say Atandi’s decision reflects both the rising political costs of confrontation and the looming significance of the Siaya investment conference, billed as a showcase of the county’s stability and economic potential. “Calling off the protest was a tactical blink. Orengo secures breathing space, while Atandi shifts terrain to a more controlled environment where he can still frame the debate without the risk of chaos,” a veteran political commentator told SIAYA TODAY.
Whether the ward-based forums will reignite public momentum behind Atandi’s push remains to be seen. For now, the balance of power appears to tilt in Orengo’s favour—at least until the next move on Siaya’s most politically combustible land question.
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