President William Ruto arrives at Siaya KMTC grounds for a prayer Service.
Siaya Governor James Orengo has described President William Ruto as an honest leader who fulfills the promises he makes.
Politically, this marks a sharp contrast to his earlier stance on Dr Ruto before visiting State House two months ago.
Before leading the county delegation in June , the county boss had declared that development projects require no kneeling down, a climb down by the politician who had been once of President Ruto's fiercest critics.
Speaking while hosting Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya during the groundbreaking ceremony for the second phase of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium and a County Referral Health Complex, Mr Orengo praised the President’s commitment to equitable distribution of national resources.
“President Ruto is not a hypocrite. One of the characteristics of a hypocrite is that they don’t fulfill their promises. We can all see today what is taking place,” said the governor.
He added: “Today, as the CS in charge of Defence, you have proven that you keep promises. The government led by President Ruto has kept its word, and today we are beginning to witness the pledges he made to us some time back.”
Madaraka Day celebrations at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium in Siaya County on June 1, 2025.
President Ruto had earlier promised to upgrade the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium from its current 5,500-seater capacity to 20,000 at a cost of Sh550 million.
Once completed, the stadium will meet FIFA standards, with additional terraces, roofing, and improved surrounding infrastructure.
“This stadium, once complete, will be the best outside Nairobi in terms of design and planning. In fact, even in its current state, it is one of the best outside Nairobi,” Mr Orengo remarked.
Defence CS Tuya underscored the stadium’s role in nurturing local talent, hosting concerts and events, and serving as a hub for community development and income generation.
“Upgrading the surrounding infrastructure to modern standards will position Siaya as a regional hub for athletics, football, and rugby tournaments,”she said.
Ms Tuya further directed the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), who will oversee the two mega projects, to prioritise local labor.
“Let me be clear: when KDF supports these projects, they don’t take away jobs from our young people and women. The jobs remain here in Siaya. KDF’s role is to provide technical support and supervision to ensure efficiency, quick turnaround, and strict adherence to timelines,” she said.
The Siaya County Referral Hospital will also undergo a major expansion, adding 500 beds to its capacity.
Upon completion, the facility will integrate with the existing surgical theatre, ensuring continuity of current services while expanding specialisd care.
Defence Cabinet Secretary nominee Soipan Tuya during an event in Nairobi on February 8, 2024.
According to CS Tuya, the project will establish Siaya as a regional hub for advanced healthcare, easing pressure on existing facilities and bringing specialided treatment closer to communities.
Health Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga urged residents to prepare to benefit from the new facility by enrolling in the Social Health Authority (SHA).
“We encourage more people to sign up so that they can fully benefit from the expanded services once the facility is complete. This project is about fairness and access, ensuring no one is left behind,” he said.
Dr Oluga noted that 40 per cent of Siaya residents have already registered with SHA.
