Speaking during a meeting attended by local leaders, professionals and residents on Saturday, Wandayi announced that he was ending a period of political silence and would become directly involved in county politics.
His remarks come at a time when internal disputes within ODM have intensified, particularly in Nyanza, where competing factions continue to battle for influence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Wandayi said the unity displayed by leaders and residents at the gathering reflected the aspirations of the people of Siaya and underscored the need for collective leadership.
“This unity means a lot to our people, and we are determined not to let them down,” he said, adding that he had listened to concerns from residents who questioned his absence from local political debates.
The Cabinet Secretary stated that while he had previously concentrated on his national responsibilities, the time had come for him to participate more actively in county affairs.
According to Wandayi, political leaders elected by residents have a responsibility to remain connected to the aspirations of the people who entrusted them with leadership positions.
Wandayi said the unity displayed by leaders and residents at the gathering reflected the aspirations of the people of Siaya and underscored the need for collective leadership.
“This unity means a lot to our people, and we are determined not to let them down,” he said, adding that he had listened to concerns from residents who questioned his absence from local political debates.
The Cabinet Secretary stated that while he had previously concentrated on his national responsibilities, the time had come for him to participate more actively in county affairs.
According to Wandayi, political leaders elected by residents have a responsibility to remain connected to the aspirations of the people who entrusted them with leadership positions.
He argued that while voters have the power to elect leaders, they cannot compel them to remain aligned with the interests of the communities that elected them.
He said Siaya residents had fulfilled their democratic responsibility during elections and that the county would continue progressing regardless of decisions made by individual leaders who choose different political directions.
“Siaya County must continue moving forward in unity and with a shared purpose,” he said.
Although Wandayi did not directly mention any political rival, his remarks were widely interpreted as a response to ongoing political disagreements involving Siaya Governor James Orengo and other ODM leaders.
The Energy CS also issued what appeared to be a warning regarding future leadership choices in the county, particularly the governor’s seat.
He said Siaya residents had fulfilled their democratic responsibility during elections and that the county would continue progressing regardless of decisions made by individual leaders who choose different political directions.
“Siaya County must continue moving forward in unity and with a shared purpose,” he said.
Although Wandayi did not directly mention any political rival, his remarks were widely interpreted as a response to ongoing political disagreements involving Siaya Governor James Orengo and other ODM leaders.
The Energy CS also issued what appeared to be a warning regarding future leadership choices in the county, particularly the governor’s seat.
He described the position as critical to the county’s development agenda and called on residents to be vigilant when making future electoral decisions.
Wandayi emphasised that mistakes in leadership selection can have long-term consequences and suggested that residents should carefully evaluate potential candidates before casting their votes.
“We must ensure that we do not repeat mistakes that could slow down the progress of our county,” he said.
His comments immediately fuelled speculation about the 2027 gubernatorial race, with political observers suggesting that he could either seek a more prominent role in county politics or support a candidate aligned with his political vision.
The declaration comes against the backdrop of widening cracks within ODM, particularly between leaders aligned with the party's mainstream leadership and those associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement.
Governor Orengo, one of the leading figures in the movement, has repeatedly criticised what he sees as shifting political loyalties within ODM.
Wandayi emphasised that mistakes in leadership selection can have long-term consequences and suggested that residents should carefully evaluate potential candidates before casting their votes.
“We must ensure that we do not repeat mistakes that could slow down the progress of our county,” he said.
His comments immediately fuelled speculation about the 2027 gubernatorial race, with political observers suggesting that he could either seek a more prominent role in county politics or support a candidate aligned with his political vision.
The declaration comes against the backdrop of widening cracks within ODM, particularly between leaders aligned with the party's mainstream leadership and those associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement.
Governor Orengo, one of the leading figures in the movement, has repeatedly criticised what he sees as shifting political loyalties within ODM.
He has accused some party officials of drawing closer to President William Ruto’s administration and abandoning the opposition ideals that have traditionally defined the party.
The disagreements have increasingly spilled into the public domain, resulting in sharp exchanges between senior party leaders.
Political tensions escalated further earlier this month after Orengo protested the withdrawal of his personal security officers and those assigned to guard his Nairobi residence.
The disagreements have increasingly spilled into the public domain, resulting in sharp exchanges between senior party leaders.
Political tensions escalated further earlier this month after Orengo protested the withdrawal of his personal security officers and those assigned to guard his Nairobi residence.
The governor described the move as irregular and linked it to his outspoken criticism of the national government.
The situation worsened when his political tour of Homa Bay County was disrupted by violence. During the tour, his convoy reportedly came under attack in several locations, including Mbita, Rusinga and Sindo. Vehicles were damaged, roadblocks erected and members of his entourage injured.
Orengo later blamed the incidents on political intolerance and accused opponents of attempting to silence dissenting voices.
The situation worsened when his political tour of Homa Bay County was disrupted by violence. During the tour, his convoy reportedly came under attack in several locations, including Mbita, Rusinga and Sindo. Vehicles were damaged, roadblocks erected and members of his entourage injured.
Orengo later blamed the incidents on political intolerance and accused opponents of attempting to silence dissenting voices.
His critics, however, argued that his confrontational political style had contributed to heightened tensions in the region.
The disputes have highlighted broader questions about ODM’s future direction as leaders position themselves for upcoming political contests.
The disputes have highlighted broader questions about ODM’s future direction as leaders position themselves for upcoming political contests.
Several senior figures, including Siaya leaders and national party officials, have publicly differed over strategy, leadership and relations with the national government.
Against this backdrop, Wandayi’s decision to re-enter county politics is likely to attract significant attention.
Against this backdrop, Wandayi’s decision to re-enter county politics is likely to attract significant attention.
As one of the most influential leaders from Siaya and a former parliamentary leader within ODM, his involvement could alter existing political alliances and shape debates surrounding the county’s future leadership.
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