A quiet but politically potent rebellion is brewing in Siaya County — and it is being driven not by sitting power brokers, but by the county’s pioneer Members of County Assembly (MCAs), the very architects of devolution at the grassroots.
In a move that could dramatically reshape Siaya’s 2027 political chessboard, former MCAs have openly thrown their weight behind ex-Governor Cornel Rasanga Amoth, urging him to contest the Siaya Senate seat currently held by ODM stalwart Dr Oburu Oginga. But beneath the public endorsements lies a deeper story of unfinished business, sidelined political capital, and a growing belief that devolution has drifted off course.
Meeting under the banner of the Pioneer MCAs Community-Based Organisation at a hotel in Gombe, just outside Siaya town, the former ward representatives did not mince words. Led by Elisha Okuku, former Yimbo West MCA, the group argued that Rasanga is uniquely positioned to “rescue” devolution at the Senate level because he understands its DNA.
“These are leaders who were present at the birth of devolution in 2013,” said one former MCA who spoke on condition of anonymity. “They passed the first county laws, set up committees, oversaw teething-budget processes, and fought Nairobi for space. They believe Rasanga is one of them.”
Their central claim is damning: that the structures Rasanga helped build as governor have not been fully utilised by his successor, leading to stalled momentum in development and weak oversight of county interests at the national level.
Rasanga’s supporters are pushing a simple but powerful narrative — that the Senate needs practitioners, not spectators.
As Siaya’s first governor, Rasanga presided over the county at a time when systems, departments, and fiscal frameworks were being built from scratch. The former MCAs argue that this hands-on experience gives him unmatched “insider knowledge” of how counties struggle, negotiate, and sometimes clash with the national government.
“Senate is where devolution is defended or destroyed,” said Okuku. “You need someone who has sat in the governor’s seat and felt the pressure. Rasanga has.”
Beyond the endorsement lies a simmering grievance. The pioneer MCAs accuse both the county and national governments of sidelining them despite their experience and institutional memory.
At the Gombe meeting, they openly demanded inclusion in development conversations and signaled their intention to seek an audience with President William Ruto to discuss Siaya’s development trajectory.
Political analysts interpret this as more than nostalgia. It is a strategic attempt by former grassroots leaders to reinsert themselves into the political bloodstream — with Rasanga as their vehicle.
Backing Rasanga is also a bold signal of discontent with the status quo. The Senate seat is currently occupied by Dr Oburu Oginga, a towering figure in ODM and Luo politics who is yet to declare interest in defending the seat.
While the MCAs stopped short of directly criticizing Oburu, their messaging was clear: Siaya needs a senator who will actively police devolution, not merely occupy the seat.
“This is not just about Rasanga versus Oburu, if at all the incumbent will defend his seat,” said a Siaya-based political observer. “It’s about whether experience in county executive leadership should now trump party seniority in Senate representation.”
For his part, Rasanga welcomed the endorsement but struck a cautious tone. He described the group as “God-ordained” — language that resonated deeply with his supporters — but insisted he would consult widely before making a final decision.
“I will remain active in politics,” he said, carefully leaving the door open without fully stepping through it.
Insiders say this is classic Rasanga: testing the waters, reading the ground, and weighing alliances before committing.
This endorsement is not an isolated event. It reflects a broader national conversation about the health of devolution, the effectiveness of the Senate, and whether Kenya’s second-tier leaders are adequately defending county interests against an increasingly powerful national executive.
For the former Siaya MCAs, Rasanga represents a chance to reclaim relevance, correct what they see as missed opportunities, and restore the original spirit of devolution they helped usher in.
Whether this groundswell will translate into an actual Senate bid — and whether it can unseat a political heavyweight — remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Siaya’s 2027 race has been jolted awake, and the pioneer generation is no longer silent.
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