James Orengo Makes Abrupt U-Turn, Leads Siaya Delegation to Meet William Ruto in State House
- Siaya governor James Orengo led a delegation of county leaders to State House, Nairobi, to discuss development projects with President William Ruto
- The meeting focused on strengthening partnerships between the national and county governments to boost inclusive development and improve service delivery in Siaya
- Ruto announced government investments totalling over KSh 5 billion for infrastructure and electrification projects, to stimulate the county’s economy
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TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
Siaya’s future took centre stage as Governor James Orengo led county leaders to State House Nairobi for a pivotal meeting with President William Ruto.
Source: Facebook
The meeting centred on ongoing and upcoming government initiatives designed to accelerate growth and enhance the livelihoods of Siaya residents.
Orengo said the discussions were an opportunity to explore partnership avenues between the national and county governments.
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“I led the Siaya county delegation in a meeting with Ruto. We explored partnership opportunities aimed at strengthening collaboration to foster inclusive development and enhance service delivery for the people of Siaya,” Orengo said in a Facebook post.
Ruto, speaking after the meeting, outlined significant government commitments to the county’s infrastructure and economic expansion.
He revealed plans to inject KSh 1 billion into developing Usenge pier and related port facilities to boost the blue economy along the lakeside.
Additionally, the government intends to construct 16 new markets across Siaya at a cost of KSh 2.5 billion, and allocate KSh 1.6 billion which will connect over 16,000 households to electricity, thereby stimulating entrepreneurship and economic activity.
“This visit was a chance to appraise the leaders of ongoing government projects in the region,” Ruto said in his Facebook statement.
Orengo makes U-turn to meet Ruto
This engagement came soon after the Siaya governor publicly criticised the broader coalition agreement between Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza alliance and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Orengo has consistently argued that projects funded by the national government are constitutional rights for all counties, not political favours to be exchanged for support.
His outspoken opposition had sparked political tensions within Siaya, especially with some elected leaders and Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi.
Before meeting Ruto, Orengo consulted with National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi on Wednesday, Jun 4, to ensure the county’s development priorities were well aligned with national plans.
Source: Facebook
Did Siaya MCAs snub Ruto’s State House invite?
In a previous story covered by TUKO.co.ke, members of the Siaya County Assembly denied reports that they rejected an invitation from Ruto to visit State House.
The claims, which spread widely online, suggested political defiance on their part. However, the MCAs, led by Majority Leader Martin Otieno, clarified that the visit had merely been postponed and not declined, emphasising that their focus remained on advancing development in Siaya.
According to the MCAs, the planned visit was rescheduled due to the unavailability of key county leaders, including Orengo, who was out of the country at the time.
They explained that their intention was to attend the meeting as a united leadership team, and they preferred to wait until the governor returned to ensure inclusivity.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
