Kasipul MP Hopeful Sam Okoth Kotiende Banks on UPA Ticket to Deliver Education, Agriculture and Youth Empowerment Reforms.

Kasipul MP Hopeful Sam Okoth Kotiende Banks on UPA Ticket to Deliver Education, Agriculture and Youth Empowerment Reforms.

Sam Kotiende Okoth presents his manifesto to the press at UPA headquarters in Nairobi after receiving his nomination certificate for the upcoming by-election.

Nairobi, Kenya – October 2, 2025

Sam Okoth Kotiende, a seasoned political figure in Kasipul Constituency, has formally announced his candidature for Member of Parliament under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) party, pledging to usher in a new era of peace, accountability and transformative development.

Speaking during the unveiling of UPA certificates at the party headquarters in Nairobi, Kotiende said he chose UPA because of its reputation as a “clean slate” party, free from corruption, violence and divisive politics that have historically plagued Kasipul.

“Kasipul has been muddled with violence, mudslinging, and infighting brother against brother. We needed a party void of corrupt practices and violence, one that will help me clean Kasipul and, by extension, Kenya,” he said.

Kotiende expressed strong confidence in UPA’s presidential candidate, Dr. Fred Matiang’i, lauding his track record in reforming government institutions and driving development. He described Matiang’i as a leader capable of delivering the transformation Kenya urgently needs.

Kotiende outlined his vision for Kasipul, anchored on women and youth empowerment, education reforms, agricultural revival, infrastructure development and peace-building.

He criticised the current bursary allocation system, terming it skewed and exploitative. He pledged to push a motion in Parliament to withdraw bursary funds from MPs and county leaders and instead channel them directly to the Treasury for equitable distribution to schools. His goal is to achieve free education nationwide.

Kotiende condemned the burden of high-interest soft loans on women and promised to introduce fair and sustainable empowerment programs. He vowed to support youth by promoting vocational training through TVET institutions, ensuring those who dropped out of school gain practical skills in trades such as masonry, carpentry and welding. Describing Kasipul as the “breadbasket of Nyanza,” Kotiende lamented the shift from productivity to reliance on handouts. He committed to revitalising agriculture by advocating for free fertiliser and grain distribution, as well as policies to boost value addition and open new markets for farmers. He also pledged to invest in constituency-owned borehole drilling equipment to slash costs and ensure universal access to clean water. On infrastructure, he promised to procure a grader to rehabilitate dilapidated roads without reliance on external contractors.

Addressing Kasipul’s history of violence, Kotiende positioned himself as a peacemaker capable of uniting rival factions. He attributed insecurity to poor leadership, vowing to restore peace within his first month in office by reconciling warring political camps.

As part of his 100-day agenda, Kotiende announced plans to convene a constituency-wide dialogue dubbed “The Kasipul We Want”. The forum will bring together residents to chart a collective development roadmap, focusing on artisan revival, agricultural productivity and market access.

“Our people are talented, but they lack opportunities. I will be their marketing manager, opening up avenues to sell their produce and crafts while ensuring sustainable livelihoods,” he said.

With his message of reform and inclusivity, Kotiende promised a “paradigm shift” in leadership, arguing that Kasipul needs less political rhetoric and more practical solutions to everyday challenges.