Former Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga has begun registering members of the public for a planned protest trek from Siaya to Nairobi over the controversial acquisition of former Cabinet Minister Raphael Tuju’s property.

Speaking at his Segere home in Alego Usonga, the former county chief accused the current government of being “hellbent” on seizing the property.

Rasanga maintained that the asset holds significant value for the people of Siaya due to Tuju’s roots in the county.

“That property, by virtue of Mr. Tuju coming from Siaya, belongs to Siaya County, and we cannot let it go,” Rasanga stated.

“Mr. Tuju had to sweat to get that property. If the government does not intervene to have it restored, we shall take action and walk from Siaya to Nairobi to protest.”

In a significant political shift, the two-term governor also announced he has withdrawn his support for the Linda Ground splinter group, currently headed by Senator Oburu Oginga.

“I was supporting Linda Ground, but I have withdrawn my support if this is what the government is doing. I call upon all Siaya locals to follow suit,” he said.

Rasanga urged President William Ruto to intervene personally, arguing that the economic value of the property outweighs recent political appointments given to the region.

“Whatever that property is yielding cannot be compared to the positions given to our sons; therefore, action must be taken forthwith,” he added.

Beyond the Tuju property dispute, Rasanga addressed the internal friction within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). He called for mediation to resolve the emergence of rival factions.

“I would like to see prominent leaders from Nyanza, such as retired Bishop Kenneth Wasonga, bring the two splinter groups together to restore the original Orange party,” Rasanga noted, warning that a divided party lacks negotiating power.

Closing with a metaphor on party loyalty, he remarked: “Let it be known that naturally, a smaller river is the one that joins a larger river; ODM is the larger river.”