By Anderson Ojwang
Siaya Governor James Orengo could be a besieged man. Orengo seems to be walking from burning pan to fire in Siaya politics, with a section of leaders keen on a plot to edge him out.
From a fierce battle with his deputy Dr William Oduol, whom he unsuccessfully tried to impeach, speculation over his health, earlier opposition to broad-based government and now the storm over the location of a new county headquarters, Orengo could be under siege.
A month ago, Orengo had to brave the storm over speculation about his health after a section of residents wanted to know his whereabouts after a month’s absence and why the Speaker George Okode was the one handling executive matters in his absence and not the deputy.
Orengo reappeared during the burial of matriarch Mama Phoebe Asiyo in Karachuonyo where he declared that he was still alive and handling his duties effectively.
“I, Orengo, son of the bull, am alive. I, Orengo, with the strength of a stone, am not going anywhere,” he said.
Infuriated, ODM leader Raila Odinga, at a recent function in Siaya, criticised individuals who spread malicious rumours and wished death upon the Siaya Governor and described them as primitive and witches.
He expressed dismay over the false claims that Orengo had resigned, labelling the propaganda as deeply irresponsible.
“I was in constant communication with Governor Orengo throughout his time abroad and I don’t understand the motives behind those who circulated such misinformation.
Orengo has returned to the country in good health and is more energised than ever.” he said.
Even before the storm over his health could settle, Alego MP Sam Atandi has lit another battle front. This time, over the proposed construction of county headquarters at the Siaya Agricultural Training Centre (ATC), that had earlier been earmarked for the university.
Atandi wrote in his X space handle “Mr James Orengo, a university needs 50 acres not 25 acres. Hand over the whole title deed to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University for development of a fully‑fledged university in Siaya. We do not need a new county headquarters.
I am calling upon Siaya residents to come out on 11th September, 10.00am to protest over the construction of a new county headquarters on FTC land at the expense of development of a fully‑fledged university. This will be the mother of all protests”.
However, the protest was cancelled after intervention from various stakeholders over the impact it may have on the Siaya International Investment Conference slated for next month.
But, in response, Siaya CEC in charge of Land, Maurice McOrege, said a joint committee had been formed consisting of county government and the university to guide the review and the renewal process of the memorandum of understanding between the two.
He said the county government signed the MOU with the university in 2019, and the MOU expired and is currently under review with intention of renewal subject to terms mutually agreed upon by the parties, and that there has never been any consideration of ejecting the university or the students from the facility.
“The county government of Siaya has taken note of allegations made to the public suggesting that JOOUST is being ejected from Agricultural Training Centre grounds in Siaya. These allegations are misleading and not based on fact.
The county government of Siaya reiterates its unwavering commitment to supporting JOOUST, safeguarding its presence, and collaborating with the National Government and other stakeholders to strengthen higher education in the region. The vision of establishing Obama University remains alive, and through joint effort, adequate planning and proper investment,” he said.
Orengo, known for his activism, was previously opposed to the broad‑based government and often drew the wrath of Siaya politicians including Senator Oburu Oginga, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Atandi among others.
During a burial in Uyoma that was attended by Ruto and Raila, Orengo said it was wrong for ODM to compromise its ideals for cheap gains, that it would be dangerous at the end of the game.
“On my part, I want my conscience to be clear. I want to say no to abduction. Again, I want to say there is too much sycophancy in the party at the moment.
I, James Orengo, the stone, Nyawawa, I fear nothing. I want to say the Luo as community must not lose their identity they are known for. We have identity that we are known for.
If we make compromises, they should be justified before God. We cannot suspend the constitution. We may be happy now but in future may regret.
I pray for ODM you can stand any storm. If you make compromises but it should be based on principle and not praise and worship. We must stand firm and live by constitution,” he said.
But Orengo has since had a change of heart and even predicted that the future of the country was bright with President Ruto.
Recently he said they follow the direction given by Raila and that is why he had ensured the President received a warm welcome in Siaya.
“Your Excellency the President, last night and this morning, Honourable Raila Odinga rang and asked me to make sure that people of Siaya receive you well.
I am glad that those instructions have been carried out. When Baba says right, we go right. When Baba says left, we go left. How many of you are in agreement that when Baba says right we go right?
Your Excellency the President, I want to allay fears of those who think you don’t Siaya in your heart. Last week, when we spoke and you said you will be coming to Siaya that October 16th will be in Siaya for the Siaya International Trade and Investment Conference and will be presided by the President,” he said.
The question will be: Orengo brave the storms to secure a second term?
