Younger legislators from Siaya are challenging the old guard from Nyanza to quit politics to pave the way for a generational transition in the region’s politics.

Alego Usonga Member of Parliament Samuel Atandi and his Gem counterpart Elisha Odhiambo, said time was up for the older generation of politicians, adding that Nyanza has a team of young, competent leaders who can take over the mantle and steer the region to the next level.

The comment were an indirect indictment of Siaya Governor James Orengo and Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o, who Raila inherited from his father. The two have been permanent fixtures in Nyanza politics and critical to Raila’s decision-making.

The duo was speaking on Sunday at Absolute Grace Time Society Church (AGTS) in Uranga, Alego Usonga Constituency where they joined Senate Speaker Amason Jeffah Kingi for a church service cum fundraiser.

Atandi said the community has been saddled with politicians who have been around since the days of Kenya’s first vice-president, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and who still purport to call the shots.

“They were with Jaramogi, trying to help him become the president and failed. Then Raila Odinga adopted them and they also tried to help him become president and failed again. Now that Raila has moved on, they still want to give us direction,” he said.

The legislator, who is the chairman of the budget committee in the national assembly said they will not accept to be directed by the old guard who have in the past failed both Jaramogi and his son, Raila.

He said that the region was fully behind President William Ruto, whom they will support to clinch a second term come 2027.

Gem MP, Elisha Odhiambo said Ruto has over the years proved to be a friend of Nyanza and added it is high time the region takes measures to reciprocate. Odhiambo said that Nyanza was done with the opposition and will be on the winning side during the next General Election.

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi said Raila gave clear directions and left his party, ODM in government before he died and urged his supporters not to go against his wishes.

“Raila had wonderful dreams for this country. There was still so much that he wanted to do to get this country to where it is supposed to be – where we enjoy freedom, democracy and all that goes with it,” Speaker Kingi said.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Philip Onyango