Awendo Member of Parliament Walter Owino has lauded the broad-based cooperation between President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, calling it a turning point for national development and a golden opportunity for the Luo community.
At the same time, he has warned Migori leaders against political intolerance, urging them to prioritize unity and development over divisive politics.
Speaking during an interview on a local radio station, Mr. Owino emphasized the need for constructive engagement with the government to secure resources and development projects for the region.
He described the emerging political alignment as “the Canaan Raila Odinga has long championed”, saying it has finally provided the Luo nation with a strategic foothold in government affairs.
“Our people have been strategically positioned in key areas of government. The appointments of John Mbadi, Opiyo Wandayi, and others have given us leverage after years in opposition. Let’s seize this opportunity by having a valid and sustainable agenda,” he stated.
Mr. Owino urged his constituents and fellow leaders to embrace the new political space and work towards economic empowerment rather than dwelling on endless political disputes.
“We should embrace the government for prosperity as we focus on the next elections,” he added.
Even as he celebrated the new political landscape, Mr. Owino condemned the rising cases of political hooliganism and intolerance in Migori, warning that it threatens to derail the county’s progress.
He specifically took issue with the ongoing political feud between Governor Ochillo Ayacko and Uriri MP Mark Nyamita, which has escalated into public confrontations and disrupted local gatherings, including funerals.
The rift between the two leaders is widely seen as a battle for political supremacy in Migori County, with Nyamita reportedly positioning himself for a future gubernatorial bid.
This has led to open hostilities, with their supporters engaging in verbal and physical confrontations.
Governor Ayacko’s camp accuses Nyamita of undermining his administration by rallying allies against county development programs.
On the other hand, Nyamita’s allies claim that the governor has sidelined some leaders in resource allocation and governance matters.
The political friction has already spilled over into ODM party affairs in Migori, with factions forming around the two leaders.
This deepening division threatens to derail the county’s development agenda and weaken ODM’s unity in the region.
As the Migori ODM Chairman, Mr. Owino urged all leaders to resolve their differences amicably and focus on delivering services to the people.
He warned that continued infighting could cost Migori County crucial national development opportunities, as leaders from other counties continue to reap big from the national government while Migori remains stuck in political squabbles.
He urged the electorate to evaluate leaders based on their development track record rather than engaging in name-calling or supporting divisive politics.
He likened development to an athletic race, where some runners start slow but eventually win, emphasizing that leaders should be judged on long-term progress rather than short-term political showmanship.
Mr. Owino reiterated that the time for politics is not ripe, asserting that there are no leadership voids in the current system that warrant constant maneuvering.
He challenged leaders to channel their energy toward service delivery and economic growth instead of engaging in premature political campaigns.
“We must put the interests of our people first. Political infighting only hurts our county and derails the progress we desperately need,” he said.
“The electorates should support leaders who prioritize development and unity, to ensure that the county moves forward in harmony and prosperity,” he called.
About the Author
