Luo Elders Reject Ruto's Project in Siaya

A group of Luo elders has strongly opposed President William Ruto’s plan to establish Kenya’s first nuclear power plant in Siaya County, citing serious health, environmental, and regional safety concerns. 

The elders say the project poses risks not only to local communities but also to the wider East African region.

Speaking during a press conference held on Sunday, December 21, the elders said they had met and unanimously agreed to reject the nuclear power project in its entirety. 

They warned that nuclear energy, while promoted as a solution to Kenya’s growing electricity needs, could have devastating long-term consequences if not handled with extreme caution.

“In view of the likely implications of the nuclear plant for health and environmental concerns around the entire East African region, the council resolved to reject the nuclear project in totality,” the elders said in a joint statement.

The leaders expressed fear that radiation leaks, waste disposal challenges, and possible accidents could threaten lives, water sources, and livelihoods, particularly for communities living around Lake Victoria. 

The lake is a critical source of water, fishing, and economic activity for millions of people in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

To strengthen their position, the elders announced the formation of a special committee tasked with further studying the possible effects of the nuclear plant. 

They said the committee would engage experts, community leaders, and environmental groups to assess the risks should the government proceed with the project despite local opposition.

In September, the Kenya Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) identified Siaya County as the preferred site for the country’s first nuclear power station. 

The project, estimated to cost about Ksh500 billion, is expected to produce an initial 1,000 megawatts of electricity, with plans to expand production to 20,000 megawatts by the year 2040.

NuPEA has reportedly shortlisted several potential locations along the shores of Lake Victoria to support the massive cooling water requirements of nuclear reactors. 

These areas include Lwanda Kotieno, Ugambe, Sirongo, Liunda, Manywanda, Osindo, Nyangoye, Kanyawayaga, and Dagamoyo.

The proposed plant has received support from some national and regional leaders. The late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga previously endorsed the project, describing it as a major boost for Kenya’s development and industrial growth. 

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has also been pushing for the project, saying it is vital for industrialisation and economic expansion in the Nyanza region.

Siaya Governor James Orengo has echoed similar sentiments, arguing that the nuclear plant would create jobs, attract investment, and transform the county into a major economic hub. 

According to the county government, the project could significantly improve infrastructure and living standards if implemented safely.

However, opposition to the project is not new. Earlier plans to locate the nuclear plant in Kilifi County were abandoned after residents strongly rejected the proposal, citing environmental and safety concerns similar to those now being raised in Siaya.

The nuclear power project is one of President Ruto’s flagship infrastructure initiatives aimed at positioning Kenya as a middle- to high-income economy with reliable and affordable energy. 

The government argues that nuclear energy would help reduce electricity costs and support large-scale industrial development.