James Orengo Vows to Continue with Anti-Ruto Push: "I'm Not Scared"
- Siaya governor James Orengo declared he will not be silenced in his criticism of President William Ruto’s administration
- Orengo stressed the need for leadership that respects the law and the truth, saying he refuses to let down Kenyans by remaining silent
- He raised alarm over increasing misconduct among those in power, accusing them of repeatedly undermining the integrity of Kenya’s electoral process
Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya
Siaya governor James Orengo has declared he won’t back down from exposing what he sees as the failings of President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza government.
Source: Facebook
Did Orengo call out Ruto's regime?
Speaking at Bar Ndege in Ugenya constituency, he said he would not be cowed into silence and vowed to keep speaking out against threats to the country’s democratic principles.
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"The truth shall make you free. We must have a leadership countrywide and continentally that believes in the law, the constitution and the truth. I cannot let my Kenyans and my community down by not speaking the truth," Orengo said.
He challenged anyone planning to take action against him, saying it wouldn't be the first time he's faced trials and tribulations.
The governor also emphasised the importance of defending democratic institutions and holding the country's leaders accountable.
He further voiced concern over what he described as growing misconduct among those in power, saying it has repeatedly undermined the integrity of the country’s electoral process.
Orengo has never shied away from calling out the government.
At one point, he stated he will not ignore what he views as clear cases of mismanagement simply because of the president’s working relationship with Raila Odinga.
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His remarks had sparked backlash from members of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), who accused him and other ODM leaders of undermining the inclusive nature of the government.
Nandi senator Samson Cherargei even urged Raila to publicly reprimand Orengo over his continued criticism.
Did Raila defend Orengo for criticising govt?
The former prime minister came to the defence of Orengo following repeated complaints from UDA members. He said the issues raised by Orengo were valid and within their right to express.
Responding to the criticism, the ODM leader maintained that Orengo and others were addressing matters linked to the Memorandum of Understanding between ODM and the ruling party.
Raila clarified that ODM was not part of the government, noting that its engagement with UDA was limited to collaboration on 10 key national concerns outlined in the MoU.
He stressed that Kenya is a democratic country where every citizen has the freedom to speak.
He further emphasised that the partnership with UDA did not amount to a political coalition but was anchored on a signed agreement covering specific areas of cooperation.
Questioning the ongoing criticism, Raila said Orengo had spoken within the framework of the MoU and committed no wrongdoing.
He added that both Orengo and Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o were articulating ODM’s position in their remarks.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
