Siaya Governor James Orengo has extended a warm welcome to President William Ruto in Siaya, just days after previously declining to engage with him, as political realignments intensify in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.
On Tuesday, March 24, 2026, Ruto visited Siaya to inaugurate various projects, including the groundbreaking ceremony for the Usenge Pier in Siaya County.
This shift in Orengo’s stance follows increasing behind-the-scenes pressure, with Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo and Orengo’s close allies urging him to attend the event and engage, despite his philosophical differences with the current administration.
Previously, Orengo had missed Ruto’s high-profile visit to his constituency, citing the politically motivated arrests of his staff members as his reason for absence.
In Orengo’s absence, Siaya Senator and ODM party leader Oburu Odinga welcomed President Ruto to address the local residents.
During his speech, Ruto emphasized that Oburu had invited him to the county, stating, “I have come here to Bondo because of the invitation from the ODM party leader, Honorable Oburu Oginga, who has called me for significant discussions regarding the ICT hub in the Siaya community.”
The governor’s absence heightened political tensions in the region, particularly within the ODM party, where Orengo leads the vocal Linda Mwananchi faction, known for its critical stance against both the presidency and the party’s current leadership.
Orengo condemned the arrests as arbitrary and unconstitutional, demanding the immediate release of his team. “This egregious conduct by the police has no place in a constitutional democracy,” he asserted.
In a broader context, Orengo has expressed strong discontent regarding the overarching political accommodation, which he deems unacceptable without clearly defined terms. He remains dissatisfied with the lingering disappointments surrounding the 10-point agenda.
On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, just a day after the agenda’s unveiling, Orengo criticized its authors for lacking substance, arguing that it fails to provide meaningful direction on critical national issues. “This document released yesterday is a fraud,” he declared.
Furthermore, Ruto and Orengo convened shortly after Orengo and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi called for Ruto’s impeachment following his recent remarks aimed at the opposition.
During a Linda Mwananchi press conference on Wednesday, March 18, 2025, Orengo stated that a state officer of President Ruto’s stature must conduct themselves in a manner that upholds the nation’s honor and the dignity of their office.
He emphasized that the Constitution mandates state officers to avoid hate speech, asserting that Ruto’s recent comments amount to pure hate speech. “I want to emphasize that the president must be held accountable. As Senator Godfrey has rightly pointed out, grounds for impeachment typically include gross violations of the law and the Constitution,” Orengo stated.
He described Ruto’s remarks as an abomination, asserting that in a properly functioning parliamentary system, the president could be held accountable through impeachment or sanctions via a parliamentary resolution.
Orengo clarified that, unlike former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who initiated the attacks, he should not be judged harshly for speaking out, as he has not taken the oath of office that Ruto has. He reiterated that Ruto’s comments represent a serious breach of conduct, underscoring the need for accountability in leadership.
