EDITORIAL: Orengo has right to freedom of speech and association

STAR EDITOR

April 19, 2025 2 min read

Siaya Governor James Orengo is under siege from supporters of the broad-based government.

His “sin”? Faulting the deal between President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza and ODM party leader Raila Odinga.

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Speaking at the burial of Raila’s long serving aide attended by Ruto and Raila in Siaya last Saturday, Orengo said he would not join the “praise-singing bandwagon”.

He also told Luos not to “beg for development from the President, insisting it is their right as taxpayers”.

But instead of reflecting on Orengo’s forthrightness, leaders and professionals for hire are now baying for his blood.

Alego MP Samuel Atandi who now chairs the National Assembly’s Budget Committee courtesy of the broad-based government rabidly attacked Orengo in the National Assembly without moving a censure motion.

Some of the attack dogs can barely hold a candle to Orengo’s reform credentials and sacrifices in Kenya’s second liberation.

His brevity, eloquence, and defence of the constitution cannot be compared to some of the leaders whose spring to the national limelight was solely by hanging on Raila’s coattails.

Orengo is self-made and, together with fellow Young Turks earned their space in Kenya’s political journey. Let Orengo enjoy the freedom he fought for.