Former Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga has officially thrown his hat into the ring for the Siaya senatorial seat, triggering a political showdown within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ahead of the next General Election.

Declaring his candidacy during a thanksgiving mass at his Segere home in Alego Usonga Sub-County, Rasanga made it clear that he is ready to take on the incumbent, Senator Oburu Oginga, and will not back down from a fierce battle in the party primaries.

The announcement quickly turned personal as Rasanga took direct aim at the veteran lawmaker.

The former governor accused Oburu of going back on a gentleman’s agreement, claiming the senator had previously pledged to back his senatorial ambitions.

Expressing deep disappointment over what he characterized as a breach of trust, Rasanga declared that the political betrayal would not deter his mission to secure the seat.

According to Rasanga, his decision to return to active politics was born out of a growing demand from local residents who feel the county is suffering from a lack of vigorous representation in national government.

If elected, the two-term governor promised to utilize his executive experience to strengthen accountability and enforce stricter oversight over the Siaya County Government’s expenditure.

Crucially, while Rasanga emphasized that his primary goal is to clinch the ticket under Raila Odinga’s ODM party, he dropped a subtle warning to the party’s hierarchy.

He stated plainly that he is entirely open to exploring alternative political vehicles should he feel denied a fair, democratic shot during the party’s nomination process.

Rasanga’s bold declaration is set to radically shake up the political landscape of Siaya County.

As both heavyweights begin to mobilize their camps, the looming primary duel between Rasanga and the influential Oginga family member promises to be one of the most fiercely contested and closely watched nominations in the Nyanza region.