Ruto: Orengo and I have agreed to work for Kenyans

President William Ruto has signalled a thaw in political tensions with Siaya Governor James Orengo, saying the two leaders have agreed to prioritise service delivery over political rivalry.

Speaking during a visit to Siaya county, Ruto assured residents that despite their differing political positions, both leaders are committed to working together for the benefit of Kenyans.

“We have agreed with Governor James Orengo to work for Kenyans. ‘Wantam’ and ‘tutam’ will be decided by Kenyans. You are the ones to decide, but for now, let us work for Kenyans,” Ruto said.

In his response, Orengo struck a conciliatory tone, welcoming the President to the county while maintaining his political stance.

“President Ruto, we welcome you to Siaya. As Kenya’s President, you are welcome to Siaya county. Come back again and again. I have my own politics and I request that you continue coming to Siaya,” Orengo said.

The governor has been highly critical of the current government and has on several occasions declared his support for Nairobi Senator and ODM secretary general Ewin Sifuna 's-led faction Linda Mwananchi.

The group has traversed the country calling on Kenyans to support them in their bid to oust Ruto in the upcoming general election as succession rocks ODM.

Orengo said that while personal ambition and internal debate are inevitable in a democratic party, leadership structures must be respected if ODM is to remain coherent and relevant.

“I recognise Sifuna as the ODM party secretary general and Godfrey Osotsi as the deputy party leader. That is the reality in law,” Orengo said, in a pointed reminder to party members questioning authority and chain of command.

He said former ODM leader Raila Odinga had expressly designated Sifuna as the party's official spokesperson, a position that carries both legal and constitutional weight. 

Orengo said attempts to sidestep or undermine that reality only serve to weaken the party and confuse the public.

Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga criticised Orengo for opposing the broad-based government formation, daring him to leave ODM if dissatisfied.

Oburu reminded Orengo that the party's decision to join the government was a collective resolution, not an individual choice.

“When my governor stands up and says he is annoyed, I don’t know with whom, and claims he just wants to speak the truth, I ask myself: what truth?” Oburu asked.

He said the 10-point agreement signed between ODM and Kenya Kwanza was reached after extensive consultations within the party, saying no member had the right to criticise it.

“Those who think this broad-based government is wrong are vomiting on us from within. Why don’t they step outside and vomit there?” he said.

Orengo declared that he would not join what he termed the “praise-singing bandwagon” for the current administration.

“I cannot be a praise-singer. We fought for a democratic constitution where people should speak freely. I urge Kenyans to tell their leaders the truth. This country will go to the dogs again if the kind of language we hear continues."