In a fiery address to residents of Siaya County yesterday, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandai publicly called out Siaya Governor James Orengo for his persistent criticism of the national government, led by President William Ruto. Wandai accused Orengo of neglecting his responsibilities to the people of Siaya, instead choosing to focus on political grandstanding and criticism.
Addressing a gathering of residents, Wandai emphasized that it is time for Orengo to prioritize service delivery to Siaya residents rather than hiding behind the weaknesses of the national government. “Governor Orengo should stop complaining and start working for the people of Siaya. We need development, not political blame games,” Wandai stated firmly.
The residents, clearly in agreement with Wandai’s sentiments, responded vocally. In the background, several voices could be heard shouting: “Orengo oktii loosely translated as “Orengo is not working for us here in Siaya!” The crowd’s chorus underscored their frustration with the perceived lack of tangible development projects under Orengo’s leadership.
Wandai’s blunt critique marks a significant shift in local political discourse, with residents rallying behind the call for accountability and tangible progress. Many believe that leaders like Orengo should focus on addressing issues such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education within Siaya county, instead of engaging in political rhetoric.
As the debate continues, this confrontation highlights growing dissatisfaction among Siaya residents who are demanding more effective leadership and tangible results. The call for action echoes across the county, urging leaders to prioritize the welfare of their constituents over political theatrics.
On their side, Kenyans had the following to say at the comment sections following the sentiments of Wandai on Orengo:
“I wonder where Orengo gets the audacity to criticize Ruto when he is equally doing nothing as the President of Siaya County. I think he knows he has failed and is now trying to oppose Ruto publicly, hoping to be re-elected on that basis. A reasonable governor would take advantage of this time to lobby for projects instead of playing politics and claiming to be saving Kenya, as the Luos have done since independence. I am glad that those who gave him the direct ODM ticket have learned their lesson! We cannot be a county that takes pride only in leaders who hire famous musicians to their homes and consider that work!” Wrote Ken Onyango.
“As someone who has lost one relative and nearly lost 2 others due to the collapse of medical services in Siaya county, I reasonate with this message. Orengo is completely incompetent. Im so happy that that who imposed him on the people with a direct ticket are now realizing his incompetence. No single hospital, not even the county referal is functioning properly. Shame.” Wrote Muga Otieno.
“Politics aside, anyone to educate me on the great achievements of Hon. Orengo since he became governor….? Such a brilliant mind must have truly done wonders for the people of Siaya” Wrote Joe Wambua.
“Broadbased government is nonsense of course though we are not ready for maandamano politics, but Orengo is an incompetent governor truth be told, though he’s a good lawyer and good in politics. He is free to take his relatives to the streets to fight for the right of Kenyans.” Wrote Fredrick.
“Thank God we’ve never managed to get the top most position in kenya. Look at our counties and how they’re managed from a political perspective to the economy.” Wrote Mercy Omondi
“Don’t blame Orengo but blame the party for giving/ forcing leaders on pple through Odm loyalists or his praise and worship team members. Let us this time round leave party thing n elect leaders.” Wrote Charles Odhiambo.
“This is what we want ,,development,,,,we’ve been Isolated for a very long time ….we keep on fighting for nothing,,,,yet other regions are far much a head…this is the opportunity for our people to make good use of our CSs to bring resources home ,,,we will never get this opportunity again,,,we’ve been fighting for the last 60yrs,,what have we achieved???Siaya town alone is like a small village in Kiambu county ,then Orengo wants us to continue making noise ,,,our people wants roads,markets for goods,education, food,electricity, water not noise ….a governor cannot work without support of the national government ….Kibaki refused to concede election in 2007 and so many young lives were lost, but kikuyus never abandoned kibaki …Raila just stopped the anarchy that we were about to experience,,,atleast we have a country today….those opposed to broadbased arrangement are enemies of the people.” Wrote another resident.
“Orengo is a good politician and a good lawyer, but I am shocked that he wants Luos to go back to the streets to fight for the rights of Kenyans. This is what our community has done since independence, and I don’t think we have gained much for acting as the savior of Kenyans. There is no trophy in opposing the government year in year out since independence. I would take Orengo serious if only he could transform the economy of Siaya.” Added Kodhiambo Kouma.
Below is the video of CS Opiyo Wandai telling off James Orengo:
