A political showdown is looming in Siaya County ahead of the 2027 General Election, with former Alego Usonga MP Sammy Weya declaring his intention to challenge ODM leader Oburu Oginga for the Senate seat.
Weya announced his bid just hours after Oburu confirmed he would defend his senatorial position in the upcoming polls, setting the stage for what is expected to be a closely watched contest in the ODM stronghold.
The former legislator said the county was ready for a new generation of leadership, arguing that Siaya residents deserve energetic and modern representation.
“The time has come for leadership renewal and generational transition in Siaya,” Weya said.
His declaration is expected to test the influence of ODM politics in the Nyanza region and shape the county’s future political direction.
Weya acknowledged the longstanding political ties between his family and the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, adding that his family had consistently supported both Raila Odinga and Oburu Odinga during Kenya’s democratic struggles.
“My family has supported both Raila and Oburu for many years during Kenya’s struggle for democracy and justice,” he said.
However, Weya accused Oburu of sending mixed political signals to supporters, saying the senator’s recent remarks had created uncertainty within the party.
“A few weeks ago, the country heard him express presidential ambitions. Today he says he will defend the Senate seat,” Weya said.
He added that leadership requires honesty, energy and openness to allow new leaders to serve the people effectively.
According to Weya, ODM requires focused leadership as the party reorganises following Raila Odinga’s transition from active party leadership.
He further claimed that Oburu had lost touch with the aspirations of younger voters seeking innovative and accessible leadership.
Weya said his campaign would focus on development and his track record during his tenure as Alego Usonga MP, citing achievements in education, healthcare, roads, water projects, electrification and youth empowerment.
“My project record speaks volumes in education, healthcare, roads, water, electrification, youth empowerment and economic development in Alego Usonga,” he said.
The former MP also criticised what he termed as attempts within ODM to orchestrate a predetermined nomination process in favour of Oburu through direct nomination.
He said he would not participate in what he described as an unfair process and would instead take his campaign directly to the people of Siaya.
“This election must not be about family entitlement, political inheritance or personality cults,” Weya said.
Former Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga has also expressed interest in the Senate seat, further intensifying the race.
Meanwhile, Oburu has maintained that ODM nominations will be free and fair, warning against attempts to influence the process through political favours.
He said he would not tolerate shambolic and chaotic party primaries and urged Siaya residents to support issue-based politics and competent leadership.
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