Oburu to Siaya residents: Honour Raila by availing land for nuclear project

ODM leader Oburu Oginga has urged Lenya community members, whose lands are designated for a multi-billion nuclear plant project, to honor the wishes of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga by supporting the initiative. Speaking to landowners in Bondo town on August 18, 2026, Oburu highlighted that Raila had backed the nuclear project in Siaya County, believing it would stimulate the development of the Nyanza region. He emphasized that nuclear energy would provide stable electricity and promote industrial growth in the area.

Oburu, who serves as the Siaya Senator, urged plot owners not to listen to discouraging voices and propagandists attempting to derail the project. He stressed that the nuclear project benefits the entire country and urged skeptics to soften their stance and engage with Kengen and Nupea. Oburu cautioned against the Nigerian experience, warning that foreign exploitation often leaves local communities in poverty, as seen with the oil extraction in Nigeria.

He assured the community of their safety regarding nuclear waste and promised that the plant would be safe, drawing parallels with nuclear plants in China.

The Energy Senate Committee, led by Chair William Kipsang, reassured the public that the project will proceed once community concerns are addressed and that adequate compensation will be provided. Kipsang emphasized the importance of the community embracing the project to ensure its success. He noted that the current low level of electricity generation in Kenya necessitates the adoption of clean energy sources like nuclear power.

Senator Beatrice Ogolla, Vice Chair of the Energy Committee, underscored the need for landowners to make their lands available and assured that the community would receive fair compensation.