SIAYA COUNTY: Ugenya Member of Parliament David Ochieng has declared that the Movement for Democracy and Growth (MDG) will retain its grip on the Ugenya parliamentary seat, even as he prepares to vacate it to run for the Siaya gubernatorial seat in 2027.

Speaking at Sega Township Primary School during a scholarship distribution drive for Grade 10 learners, the three-term lawmaker sought to reassure his constituents that his ambitious political shift would not leave a leadership vacuum or stall local development projects.

Addressing concerns from local educators and parents about the future of his signature initiatives, most notably the full scholarship program, Ochieng emphasized that his party’s dominance is built on a system, not just an individual.

Ochieng confirmed his intention to run for Governor, succeeding James Orengo, but promised that the “MDG machinery” would ensure his successor in Ugenya comes from the same party.

He dismissed fears that social programs would collapse, asserting that his party’s manifesto is designed for long-term impact regardless of who holds the MP office.

The lawmaker reiterated his belief that education is the ultimate equalizer, advocating for a shift in how government funds are managed.

“I have heard the concerns. Let it be known that the scholarship program will continue. The next MP will be an MDG member, so do not worry,” Ochieng told the crowd.

A Call for Direct School Funding

Beyond local politics, the MDG leader took aim at the national education funding model.

Lamenting the current system where funds are often delayed or fragmented through various bureaucratic channels, Ochieng called for a radical “direct-to-school” approach.

He argued that the government should bypass the traditional distribution of physical cheques to individual learners, a process he claims is prone to missing deserving students, and instead deposit funds directly into school accounts.

“I pray and believe this will be done in the next two years while I am still serving as your lawmaker,” he stated, adding that such a move would ensure every child remains in the classroom without the anxiety of pending fees.

Ochieng’s move toward the Siaya Governor’s mansion sets the stage for a high-stakes battle in a region traditionally dominated by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

As the party leader of MDG, Ochieng has positioned his outfit as a formidable alternative in Nyanza, having successfully defended his Ugenya seat against the ODM wave in multiple elections.