A group of Kisumu grassroots leaders has strongly condemned Siaya Governor James Orengo, accusing him of disrespecting President William Ruto and engaging in divisive politics. In a press conference held on Tuesday, members of the Grassroots Caucus called out Orengo’s recent comments, which they claim undermine efforts towards national unity.
Micah Herbert Magajia, a member of the Grassroots Caucus, criticized the governor’s rhetoric, emphasizing that the Luo community has faced marginalization for nearly six decades. He argued that Raila Odinga’s decision to work with President Ruto marked a significant step toward national inclusivity.
“Our community is made up of taxpayers, and we believe in inclusivity and shared prosperity. Raila Odinga’s collaboration with President Ruto was not a betrayal—it was a decision made for the good of the nation,” Magajia stated. “Anyone, like Orengo, who seeks to undermine this process, needs to be called out.”
The condemnation was echoed by local businesswoman Mary Ajwang Otieno, who expressed her disappointment with Orengo’s comments during the funeral of Raila’s bodyguard. She labeled the remarks as a cultural violation, asserting that in Luo tradition, it is forbidden to insult mourners.
“In our culture, we don’t insult mourners. President Ruto has shown true friendship, and we will reciprocate that by supporting him in 2027,” Otieno affirmed.
Jardon Junior, a university student, added to the growing chorus of dissent, calling for an end to political infighting and urging leaders to focus on the preservation of the NADCO agreement.
“We’ve suffered from state-opposition conflicts for far too long. Orengo must not sabotage the ODM-UDA pact. As a leader, he should be focusing on the rights of young people like me,” he argued.
Ouko Modi, a representative from the Kisumu transport sector, accused Orengo of hypocrisy, pointing out that his political career has been heavily reliant on Raila Odinga’s influence.
“Orengo owes his political career to Raila. It is deceitful for him to oppose what Raila supports,” Modi charged.
The leaders emphasized their commitment to resisting any efforts to destabilize the alliance between President Ruto and Raila Odinga, signaling growing grassroots opposition to Orengo’s stance. With calls for unity and development taking center stage, Orengo now faces mounting pressure to align with the community’s aspirations.
This controversy erupted after Orengo publicly criticized President Ruto on Saturday, April 12, during the funeral of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s aide, George Oduor, in Ndori, Rarieda Constituency, Siaya County.
