Orengo pushes for Ruto's impeachment over verbal exchange with opposition

A photo collage of President Ruto and Siaya Governor James Orengo

Siaya Governor James Orengo has called for the impeachment of President William Ruto, citing the verbal exchange he has had with opposition leaders in the past few days.

Orengo said the grounds for impeachment under the constitution include gross violation of the law and failure to uphold the principles of leadership and integrity.

“The constitution requires state officers, including the President, to conduct themselves in a manner that brings honour to the nation and dignity to the office,” he said

“Acts of hate speech, incitement and vilification of others are prohibited, particularly because Article 131 mandates the promotion of national unity.”

Orengo described some of Ruto’s remarks as an “abomination,” arguing that they undermined social cohesion and dignity of the presidency.

However, Ruto has defended his approach, describing the attacks as a response to provocations from his political rivals.

Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony of Busia Stadium in Busia county on Wednesday, the President said he would dedicate only “one per cent” of his time to political disputes, focusing instead on governance and service delivery.

The President vowed to take his critics head-on whenever they attack him, but at the same time is ready to engage in politics of ideology should his competitors take that route.

“When our competitors rise to engage on issues, we shall meet them there with clarity and reason. But when they descend into insults and distraction, we shall not lose focus. I will give you one per cent of my time,” Ruto said, emphasising his priority remains national development rather than engaging in prolonged political confrontations.

Nevertheless, Orengo added that the only recourse, according to constitutional provisions, is impeachment or parliamentary sanction.

“We must ensure we do not have a rogue President. This is a call to action for all Kenyans,” Orengo said.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino also condemned the President’s conduct, saying leaders must set a proper example for the country.

“What example are they trying to show those who come after them? Leadership must not be full of insults and violence. We do not expect the President to behave in such a manner. Decisions taken in anger can lead to chaos,” Babu said, calling for decorum and responsibility from those holding the nation’s highest office.

The remarks come amid a string of verbal confrontations between Ruto and opposition leaders, including public exchanges over political and personal matters.

The President’s recent statements have drawn criticism for their sharp tone, prompting concerns about the potential for political polarisation.

"I told them that if your agenda is William Ruto, then I am ready and I will deal with them very early in the morning. It is these people who started this, that I am thin and I told them to look at themselves in the mirror. I was trying to help them by asking them to reduce food portions. If I was overweight, would I have managed to arrive here in Funyula at 8.30 am? those heavy ones are still sleeping," Ruto said while addressing a crowd in Busia.

The President maintained that his administration’s focus remains on results-driven leadership, he insisted he was delivering on infrastructure projects, youth initiatives, and other development programs that directly benefit residents.

Ruto’s maintained that his comments aimed at balancing criticism of opposition leaders while positioning his administration as focused on national unity and development.

“We shall dedicate 99 per cent of our time to serving Kenyans and only respond minimally to distractions,” he said.

Despite the tensions, he appealed for cooperation between political formations to tackle national challenges collectively.