Kisumu, 12th July 2026-Siaya Governor James Orengo has challenged the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate the source of huge amounts of money being distributed during national economic empowerment drives.
Speaking during a church service and fundraiser at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church in Milimani, Kisumu, Orengo dismissed the displays of cash carried in sacks, saying the funds do not belong to the leaders distributing them.
“This money does not belong to the people who carry it. This money belongs to you. We know what a Cabinet Secretary, PS, and a governor earn. All this money is at the expense of unexplained resources or wealth,” Orengo said.He was accompanied by embattled former ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Alex Mwatere.
The Linda Mwananchi luminary questioned why ordinary business people who make large contributions are quickly pursued by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), while government officials appear untouched.
“KRA will be there. I have handled many cases where people were being chased by KRA. There is no way even the President of the country can contribute Sh100 million to a building. The richest man in the world, Elon Musk, cannot give you that kind of money without explanation,” he said.
“So let us not live in fear because this is your money that is being given to you. Ultimately, if you accept it, it is a form of bribery.”
Orengo warned that public officials should not use public resources to “bribe us or pretend that they are doing things for society.”
“If you want to help the people, it can be done through investments,” he said. He added that those involved will be held accountable. “They will answer questions in future about this money.”
On questions of division within the Linda Mwananchi movement, Orengo said Sifuna’s presence was proof of unity.
“Some people are trying to isolate us so that we are not part of the national debate. The presence of Sifuna today is to put you to shame that we are together, we are walking together, and we shall never be divided. I like saying to people what they don’t want to hear. I don’t like saying what you want to hear,” he stated.
He accused President William Ruto of having “seized” ODM and derailed its fight for social democracy and justice.
“Everywhere we go people are raising questions about ODM across the country, and why they had to remove Sifuna-the best performing leader apart from the late Raila Odinga and Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o,” he said.
Orengo recounted pleading with party members to allow Sifuna to work with Oburu Oginga based on the ODM constitution and its 10-point agenda.
“Unfortunately, in a short while they started giving Sifuna a lot of problems. Even the replacement is not that he is a native, but the replacement for Sifuna -a strong leader for a weaker one,” he said.
He urged Sifuna to remain strong. “We are behind you. And people around this community are behind you. And we are together as a movement.”
Orengo reiterated that he is the de facto ODM leader. “I want to tell you, I’ll be there. And we shall remain part of the politics as a nation.”
He said Linda Mwananchi is committed to unity and will seek leaders who are patriotic, principled, and conscious of people’s needs.
“In that unity, we have said very loud, we will not base our future on anything else. We look for a person that is patriotic, principled, well-mannered, and conscious of the needs of the people,” he said.
Orengo decried what he termed high levels of bribery, violence, and hate in the upcoming Ol Kalou by-election, warning that such incidents could threaten the 2027 General Election.
“If elections are going to be what we are seeing now, then probably we will not go to elections next year. But we will sit down to make sure that we meet and get the promises of this constitution so that Kenya is stable and prosperous under the foundation of the Constitution of Kenya,” he said.
The governor praised Bishop Emeritus Joseph Wasonga and Rt Reverend Charles Ong’injo for speaking truthfully on issues affecting ordinary people.
“This church has been associated with great men of God, particularly the late Bishop Henry Okullu who was indeed a mentor to us.Whatever Ong’injo says reaches all the corners of the world because it is pure truth and fact,” he said.
Sifuna said the love of money is at the root of the country’s problems and called for conviction and courage to address them. He thanked Kisumu residents for their support and assured them of continued unity.
“The people of Western and Nyanza will never be in conflict… Haiwezekani,” he said.
During the fundraiser, an altercation outside the church compound left several people injured as unknown armed youths were repelled from gaining entry.
