Siaya Governor James Orengo has vehemently opposed the idea of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) joining President William Ruto’s administration, calling it an abomination and disaster.
Orengo’s remarks come amidst emerging divisions within the party over ODM leader Raila Odinga’s proposals for national dialogue with the Kenya Kwanza administration to form a broad-based government.
Speaking in North Alego, Siaya County, during the burial of Kevin Onyango, a 25-year-old killed in recent anti-government protests, Orengo stressed that justice for the affected families must precede any political negotiations. “We must deal with the injustices now and not tomorrow,” he asserted, emphasizing the need to prioritize the plight of those harmed by the protests over political positions.
Orengo condemned the notion of negotiating for positions while the community mourns its losses. He urged the nation to listen to grieving families and seek justice for those killed. “How can we get into government when those who have been killed have not gotten justice? I do not accept this,” Orengo declared.
James Orengo during a past event
He further cautioned that joining the Kenya Kwanza administration would be disastrous, emphasizing that such a move would not work. Addressing critics who feared a constitutional crisis if Ruto left office, Orengo reassured that the country would remain stable, drawing from past experiences with powerful leaders’ departures.
Orengo reiterated his unwavering support for Raila Odinga, countering claims by Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, who noted that calls for Ruto’s resignation could destabilize the country.
Despite ODM’s openness to national dialogue, Orengo and other Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka, firmly rejected participation in a proposed broad-based government, deeming it a betrayal to the Kenyan people, especially Gen Z and millennials.
The resolution not to join the unity government was affirmed by the Wiper Democratic Movement, Jubilee Party, DAP-Kenya Party, Party of National Unity (PNU), and Narc-Kenya during their National Executive Council meetings.
