SIAYA: Members of the Siaya County Assembly have come out in defense of Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi regarding an ongoing oil scandal that has led to the arrest of several senior officials.

Led by Speaker George Okode, the lawmakers maintained that the former legislator’s track record speaks for itself.

“The CS has exhibited nothing but transparency and integrity ever since he took over the position when the broad-based government was formed,” said Okode.

He suggested that the scrutiny is fueled by political motives.

“This is happening because we know many people are unhappy with Mr. Wandayi as the CS. From the start, some questioned his appointment and even his qualifications. Some might say we are only speaking out because the CS is from Siaya; that is true, and being from the same region gives us the authority to speak about him more than those from outside the county.”

Nominated MCA Dorothy Oinga noted that Mr. Wandayi’s reputation remains untarnished, comparing him to “Caesar’s wife.”

“We know Mr. Wandayi. Even when he served on the powerful Public Accounts Committee (PAC), he was never at any time tainted by allegations of corruption,” Ms. Oinga stated.

Sidindi MCA John Apodo dismissed claims linking the CS to the ministry’s current scandal, emphasizing their long-standing professional relationship.

“I have worked with him for many years and I can authoritatively say that he is a man of integrity,” noted Apodo.

These sentiments were echoed by Assembly Majority Leader and Ugunja MCA, Martin Otieno, as the local leadership rallied behind the Cabinet Secretary.