Ruto-Raila win big as Orengo, critics soften stance

Siaya Governor James Orengo/FILE

Siaya Governor James Orengo is today set to lead a delegation from the county for a meeting with President William Ruto at State House.

This comes amid growing signs that critics of the broad-based government are softening their stance, marking a potential turning point in the country’s political landscape.

Orengo, who had been vocal in dismissing the power-sharing arrangement between Ruto’s UDA and ex-Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s ODM party, saying any cooperation with the President was betrayal, is set to formally submit the county’s development demands to State House.

“Held discussions with CS John Mbadi on development priorities in Siaya ahead of tomorrow's meeting with President Ruto, together with a delegation of Siaya leaders,” Orengo tweeted yesterday.

The meeting, orchestrated by Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, intends to discuss key project proposals including the expansion and construction of roads within Saiya, last-mile connectivity, and the Gombe airstrip revamp.

Orengo’s latest move to engage with the President signals a possible realignment, cementing perceptions that the broad-based government is gaining momentum.

Similarly, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, who had rallied behind vocal critics like Edwin Sifuna, has acknowledged the inevitability of an inclusive government.

“As a county, we stand firmly behind the vision outlined in the recently signed MoU that underpins the broad-based government,” the county chief said.

He added, “We celebrate the peace, unity and renewed sense of hope that this partnership has inspired across the country.”

Nyong’o called on Kenyans to “rally behind this vision for a stronger, more inclusive Kenya”.

“Together, their leadership can usher in a new era of meaningful progress and national cohesion,” the governor said in a thank you note to the two leaders.

Sifuna has also joined his compatriots from Western who subscribe to the broad-based idea for deliberation on development projects.

While the Nairobi senator insisted he was invited for a cup of tea as they ‘put their heads together’, he endorsed a message on inclusivity by Kakamega Woman MP Elsie Muhanda.

“We are aligning the nation's priorities to accelerate our development agenda, effectively address the needs of our people and drive inclusive growth,” the Woman rep said of the meeting.

While the Siaya delegation meeting, according to sources aware of the plan, will focus on development projects, there are political undercurrents to the same.

It aligns with the President’s recent overtures to the opposition, where he has emphasised the need for unity to address the country’s economic challenges.

Political analysts suggest that while it could be a tactical move to secure development benefits, the next election is a factor too.

“The Orengo cheer gang is finally acknowledging that President Ruto is doing great in his development initiatives,” Robert Alai, Milimani MCA, said.

Siaya is viewed as trailing its peers in the region, notably Homa Bay, on matters of development.

“This is a long-awaited meeting and we welcome this move by the governor for embracing collaborative leadership…this fosters a positive environment for engagement going forward,” political analyst Rachel Omollo said.

She went on, “This is what we are pushing for – a change of tact in how we do our politics. It is only through collaboration that much can be achieved given the fiscal space we operate in.”

Homa Bay recently triggered national debate over its accelerated development with Governor Gladys Wanga, who has embraced the Ruto-Raila pact, at the core.

The county chief, who is also the national chairman of the Raila-led ODM party, has asked the region’s voters to consider backing the broad-based team post-2027.

In severing ties with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Ruto is argued to have lost a chunk of the crucial Mt Kenya vote, hence his courting Nyanza, "as part of the fallback plan”.

The apparent softening of stance by key Raila allies further raises questions about the opposition’s strategy ahead of the 2027 elections. 

With the drumbeats of the poll sounding louder, signs are rife that the opposition could be warming up to the idea of joining forces with Ruto in his reelection bid.

The submission deals a blow to anti-Ruto hardliners and strengthens the hand of moderates advocating for dialogue.

For Ruto, bringing opposition leaders on board could help neutralise resistance to his policies and consolidate his support base ahead of 2027.