AWASI, Kisumu,May 14th -Siaya Governor James Orengo has announced his readiness to take on a national leadership role, positioning himself as the Luo community’s pointman, while warning ODM leaders in Nyanza against offering blind support to President William Ruto’s re-election bid.
Speaking on Thursday during public engagements with residents of Muhoroni and Nyakach, Orengo argued that the community must present a presidential candidate to negotiate from a position of strength in the country’s political landscape.
“How do you expect to negotiate with other political parties from a position of strength if you don’t present a presidential candidate?” Orengo posed.
The Siaya county chief reaffirmed his long-standing loyalty to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), noting that he had navigated turbulent times alongside the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
However, he cautioned that the party risks electoral defeat in 2027 if its leaders fail to align with the aspirations of ordinary citizens.
“I want to caution ODM leaders in Nyanza that they risk defeat at the ballot in 2027 if they do not align with the aspirations of the common mwananchi,” Orengo warned.
He maintained that supporting the current government unconditionally is untenable amid escalating living costs and other pressing local concerns.
“We cannot support this government blindly yet there are key issues affecting locals, like the ever-escalating cost of life and other broken promises,” he said.
Orengo’s tour of the Nyanza region is seen as a bold move following a recent opinion poll by TIFA, which indicated that the ‘Linda Mwananchi’ faction of ODM enjoys a 73 percent approval rating among Kenyans.
Political analysts suggest his renewed visibility could offer an alternative leadership within ODM, that has remained shaky since the demise of Raila Odinga.
Meanwhile, the rival faction led by Oburu Oginga and ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga has continuously accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta of destabilising the party by allegedly funding activities of the Orengo-led team.
As the 2027 general election approaches, Orengo’s stance signals potential realignments within the opposition, with the Siaya governor positioning himself as a key player both within ODM and the larger Luo political leadership.
