Orengo booed in Siaya during Ruto’s Usenge launch

There was drama in Siaya County on Tuesday after Governor James Orengo was heckled by a section of locals while addressing a public gathering attended by President William Ruto.

The incident occurred during a high-profile event where the President had toured the region to preside over the groundbreaking of the Usenge Beach Pier, a flagship project aimed at unlocking the economic potential of Lake Victoria and transforming livelihoods in the lakeside region.

Addressing the crowd, Ruto said he was accompanied by several leaders from the area and expressed his intention to give them an opportunity to speak to residents. He then invited Orengo to address the gathering first.

However, moments into his speech, the governor was met with jeers and interruptions from sections of the crowd, forcing him to cut short his remarks.

At the time, Orengo had been attempting to formally welcome the Head of State to the county and encourage him to make more visits.

“I ask you to come to Siaya again,” Orengo said briefly before handing back the microphone amid the heckling.

Ruto proceeded with the event, focusing on the development agenda tied to the Usenge Beach Pier project.

The initiative forms part of a broader government push to modernise Kenya’s blue economy, reduce post-harvest losses in the fishing sector, and boost regional trade through improved infrastructure.

Orengo’s reception comes against the backdrop of his growing prominence within the “Linda Mwananchi” faction of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which has been critical of Ruto’s administration and is opposed to his re-election bid.

The faction, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, has been holding rallies across the country advocating for a firm opposition stance and warning against any alignment with the Kenya Kwanza government.

Orengo, a long-time ally of ODM leader Raila Odinga, is among senior figures pushing for the party to maintain its independence and resist cooperation with the current administration.

The group is keen on safeguarding what it terms as the party’s ideological identity and resisting any moves that could dilute its opposition credentials.

Sifuna-led “Linda Mwananchi” wing is pushing ahead with its own NDC at the end of the month, arguing that the official party structures have been compromised and no longer reflect the will of grassroots members.

The group insists the parallel NDC will provide a platform for delegates to deliberate on the party’s direction, leadership, and stance ahead of the 2027 elections.

The planned convention is also seen as a direct challenge to a rival ODM faction linked to party leader Oburu Odinga.