James Orengo Visits State House Days After Criticizing Ruto’s Government

Siaya Governor James Orengo visited State House on Wednesday, November 19, joining other leaders for the handover of ambulances and essential medical supplies from the World Health Organisation to seven national referral facilities and the National Emergency Response Centre in the Ministry of Health. The event was presided over by President William Ruto

The visit comes just weeks after Orengo openly criticized Ruto’s government during the burial of former ODM leader Raila Odinga in Bondo, Siaya County on October 19, and during ODM’s 20th-anniversary celebrations in Mombasa

At the funeral, Orengo highlighted Raila’s resilience in politics and condemned the handling of the 2017 presidential elections, subtly criticizing Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta

He claimed Raila’s votes were stolen and recalled how Raila declared himself “the people’s president” after refusing to participate in the repeat election

During ODM’s anniversary celebrations, Orengo reiterated his stance, urging ODM to remain independent and field its own presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 elections

He emphasized uniting the party and empowering young leaders while voicing readiness to oppose government wrongdoing, including police brutality and the killing of teacher Albert Ojwang in custody

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Despite previous critiques, Orengo was seen chatting amicably with President Ruto at State House, showing a cordial public demeanor

This is not Orengo’s first engagement with State House. In June, he led Siaya county leaders to meet Ruto to discuss government projects worth over KSh 5 billion, including investments in Usenge pier, 16 new markets, and electricity connections for more than 16,000 households

Orengo stressed that such projects are constitutional rights for all counties, not political favors

Writer : Mweru Mbugua