By Bonface Mulyungi

Former Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga has declared his candidacy for the Siaya Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during a thanksgiving prayer at his rural home in Segere village, Rasanga challenged incumbent Senator Oburu Oginga, daring him to a fierce contest if he decides to defend the seat.

“The party leader is a friend of mine; he’s a relative of mine. It is his right to declare that he wants to defend his seat,” said Rasanga. 

However, the former Senator accuses the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader of insincerity, citing an alleged agreement between them. 

“He’s not honest because when he was going to contest, we had agreed that he would go that term, and then he leaves me also to go. But now he’s still going, so I will have the right to compete with him. I don’t fear anybody. Let him come, and we meet man to man,” Rasanga told Siaya residents. 

Citing his ten-year track record as governor, Rasanga outlined an oversight and legislative agenda centered on devolution finance, procurement reforms, and economic protection.

Currently pursuing a PhD in procurement, Rasanga pledged to lobby for amendments to the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act to increase budget allocations for youth, women, and persons living with disabilities from 30% to 45%.

“It took me the 10 years to learn a few things which I think would be very useful to the people of Siaya and to Kenya at large. So, one of the things that I believe I should be offering to Siaya is the kind of oversight that I would like to,” noted Rasanga. 

To prevent county funds from “leakages” to neighboring regions, Rasanga promised to sponsor strict legislation ensuring Siaya’s development funds are spent entirely within the county. 

He also vowed to establish a regulatory framework to ensure procurement funds reach the intended demographic and to revive stalled baseline initiatives, including the Barack Obama University project.

As Rasanga eyes the Senatorial seat, incumbent Oburu Oginga has his cards on the presidency and a backup plan to defend the Senatorial seat. 

Speaking to Ramogi TV last month, Oburu said he will contest for the country’s top seat should he receive the ODM party’s backing.

“I will defend my seat if the party does not field a presidential candidate. But if they agree to have a presidential candidate, then I am that candidate,” Dr. Oburu noted.