In a rare show of bipartisan goodwill, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Senator Oburu Oginga have openly praised Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, a key figure in President William Ruto’s administration, for steering critical development projects in the ODM stronghold.
The two veteran opposition leaders lauded Murkomen for his support in relocating Usenge Police Post to pave way for the construction of the Usenge Integrated Port, fixing seats at the county stadium, and equipping the Siaya Digital Hub — developments they argued demonstrate what political collaboration can achieve.
“We are happy that the Usenge Port project has kicked off and is gaining momentum courtesy of the office of the Interior,” said Orengo, who has often been one of the loudest critics of Ruto’s regime.
The Governor revealed that the vacated police land will not only accommodate a modern port but also a Kenya Coast Guard unit to strengthen maritime security on Lake Victoria. Partnering with the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), the county expects the port to unlock trade corridors and attract new investments in the Lake Region.
Senator Oburu Oginga, the elder brother of ODM leader Raila Odinga, added a political twist to the meeting when Murkomen joked about their days in the Senate.
“We indeed provided flesh to the Senate when we were at the helm of leadership,” Oburu quipped, sending the meeting into laughter.
The optics of ODM heavyweights praising a UDA Cabinet Secretary are politically significant. For years, Nyanza leaders have been accused of shunning collaboration with government, only to later lament being sidelined in resource allocation. Today’s developments hinted at a subtle shift — pragmatism over partisanship.
Earlier in the day, Murkomen toured the County Commissioner’s office and met with young people registering for IDs, where he revealed plans to overhaul the issuance of birth certificates.
“We are reviewing the birth certificates and we await the President’s direction on it,” he said, noting that Siaya will soon get two additional registration offices, up from the current four.
At Jukwaa la Usalama, chiefs and assistant chiefs laid bare their frustrations, ranging from lack of vehicles to ferry criminals to court, to the high costs of hiring breakdown services. Bondo OCS Chief Inspector Charo Ahindi made a direct plea to the CS:
“We request the office to have at least breakdown vehicles in every county. We also want Nango Police Station gazetted so we can deploy officers and resume services on the island,” he said.
The meeting was also attended by Siaya County Secretary Joseph Ogutu, and County Executive Committee members; Grace Agola(Trade), Sylvester K’Okoth (Agriculture), Martin K’Onyango (Health), Maurice Mc’Orege(Lands), Governance Chief Officer Walter Okello among other dignitaries
The symbolism of the day was unmistakable: ODM’s most seasoned leaders not only welcomed a Ruto ally but also tied Siaya’s future prosperity to his docket. Whether this signals a broader thaw in relations between the opposition bastion and the Kenya Kwanza administration remains to be seen, but the political message was clear — development knows no party boundaries.
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