RARIEDA: Eliud Owalo, the Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the President, today strongly hinted at his intention to seek an elective political seat in Siaya County, prompting speculation that he may challenge the incumbent Rarieda Member of Parliament, Otiende Amolo.

Speaking to locals in Rarieda Sub-county, Owalo promised a “very important announcement” soon, capping off a series of recent visits and community meetings in the area.

“I want to tell you that it is important to elect leaders who can change the lives of people at the grassroots,” Owalo said after inspecting the ongoing construction of an ICT center.

“The era of people being elected simply because they have been endorsed and given party tickets is over.”

He concluded his remarks on the potential announcement by saying, “I will make a very important announcement soon. I hope you people are ready for the big announcement.”

Criticism of ‘Kingpin’ Politics

Owalo, who previously contested the Kibera Constituency seat, used his address to castigate local leaders who are positioning themselves as regional “kingpins” or point men.

“We must stop this foolishness in the name of being a kingpin. How does that help us as a community? We must rethink as leaders and check what is the most important thing,” he remarked, adding that leaders should focus on tangible development projects.

He stressed that the community’s priorities should be economic transformation, not political titles.

“Currently, we must think of what will transform the lives of our people. The only kingpin that we should talk about is the KORU-SOIN dam which will save our people from floods; we must talk of roads that will open up our region,” he thundered.

Owalo further criticized leaders who seek symbolic political installation, stating, “It makes no sense to call leaders and elders in the name of being installed.”