‘The Country Is Not Headed in the Right Direction,’ Orengo Renews Attacks on Ruto

Siaya Governor James Orengo has launched a fresh salvo against President William Ruto’s administration, declaring that Kenya is “headed in the wrong direction” regarding the rule of law and constitutional fidelity.

Speaking during the launch of a hospital construction project in Bar Ndege, Orengo maintained his stance against the political alliance between President Ruto and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga, saying he will not join what he termed as “praise and worship” of the Kenya Kwanza government.

“We are setting a bad precedent in our country in the name of signing post-poll pacts,” Orengo stated. “I want a situation where in future, if Raila is not on the ballot, our grandchildren can contest and win elections or lose fairly, but not because of a bad precedent set by us.”

The Siaya Governor, a seasoned politician and lawyer, reflected on his extensive political journey, claiming to have worked with all of Kenya’s presidents.

“I have worked with all the presidents of this country and believe me when I tell you the country is on a bad trajectory,” he said, referencing his experience with political figures dating back to Argwings Kodhek and Tom Mboya.

Orengo’s criticism comes amid growing divisions within ODM following the political agreement between President Ruto and party leader Raila Odinga formed last year after the Gen-Z demonstrations that saw protesters storm Parliament.

The pact has resulted in several ODM officials receiving cabinet appointments, including Hassan Joho (Mining), Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives), Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), John Mbadi (Treasury), and Beatrice Askul (East African Community).

The county chief urged ODM members not to be satisfied with government appointments.

“Don’t be contented that one of you is a Principal Secretary, never be contented that some of you have been appointed Cabinet Secretaries,” he said, reminding his audience that even Raila Odinga had once served as Prime Minister but that wasn’t enough.

Orengo and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna have emerged as the most vocal critics of the Ruto-Raila alliance, drawing criticism from party members who believe they are contradicting the party’s official position.

The Governor also took aim at the judiciary, claiming “even our courts have developed a bad tendency” and emphasized the need for Kenya to strive toward becoming a democratic nation where elections are held peacefully.

“We must strive to be a democratic nation where elections are held peacefully like other countries. There are countries like Botswana that have mature democracy because of fidelity to the constitution,” Orengo noted.

The Ruto-Raila pact has had significant political consequences, including the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and the removal of several key officials including former Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi and Budget committee head Ndindi Nyoro.

Reflecting on past elections, Orengo claimed that ODM leader Raila Odinga had won the last four presidential contests but was denied victory through “underhand methods.”

“Since 2007, we have seen the most prominent and progressive leader Mr. Odinga win elections but the process is bungled and he never gets to be declared the winner. These are things that are affecting our country’s democracy and I shall not fear saying them,” Orengo declared.

The Governor vowed to continue fighting for the 2010 Constitution even if it costs him his political position.