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Orengo to ODM, Raila: Let’s not rush into any deal
Governor James Orengo when he visited Nation Media Group at Nation Centre in Nairobi on October 11, 2024.
Siaya Governor James Orengo has urged the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leadership and the people of Nyanza not to rush into signing a political pact, warning that it could lead to political doom.
His caution comes just days before the much-anticipated announcement by ODM leader Raila Odinga, with many expecting him to unveil a new pact that could see the Opposition party claim 50 percent of the Cabinet and much of government.
The Siaya Governor warned that rushing into any agreement would be detrimental.
“I appeal that we take time and observe the outcome of the consultations. You cannot be someone who rushes to grab any political opportunity that presents itself,” said the county chief.
He continued, “I speak as a veteran in Kenyan politics, and when I say we should not rush, I mean it. I worked during the times of founding President Jomo Kenyatta, the late President Daniel Moi—we didn’t have an easy time with him—the third head of state, Mwai Kibaki, and former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Therefore, I understand politics well.”
He was speaking at the burial of the late Mama Leah Obiero—mother of Nation Media Group political reporter Justus Ochieng—in Imbayi village, Alego Usonga constituency.
He urged the ODM leadership to reflect on past events similar to the current situation.
President William Ruto (right) and Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at State House in Mombasa on February 24, 2025.
“I want to caution some young elected leaders who are rushing to grab political opportunities to show some restraint. They should ask some of our sons who rushed into such opportunities, like the late Oloo Aringo (Alego Usonga), Odongo Omamo, and Robert Ouko,” he added.
He further emphasized that the ongoing consultations led by the former Prime Minister should be conducted with seriousness and without haste.
“Let the consultations with the people continue, and I believe we shall find the right way to handle the current matters,” he added.
Mr Orengo’s remarks come just days after he led a delegation of leaders in a consultative meeting with Mr Odinga at his Siaya office.
However, his stance appeared to contradict that of Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi, who urged the ODM leadership not to backtrack on the newly established political understanding between President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza and the Orange party, calling it the best option.
Mr Atandi criticized the former deputy president, branding him a political conman.
“The political friendship between ODM leader Raila Odinga and Kenya Kwanza is the best we can ever have. President Ruto means well for us,” he said.
The second-term MP, elected on an ODM ticket, also dismissed the political pact between Mr Odinga and former President Kenyatta, terming it ineffective.
“We had a political pact with the former president, but nothing came out of it because he deceived us. Recently, I heard the former deputy president—who was impeached—saying he is now ready to support Raila. These are blatant lies. He is a conman who will do nothing for us; there is nothing good in such a friendship.”
The lawmaker reflected on President Ruto’s political journey with the ODM leader, from their 2007 alliance to the recent African Union Commission (AUC) chair contest, where Mr Odinga lost to his Djiboutian opponent, calling it a genuine friendship.
“In 2007, then as a Member of Parliament, President Ruto stood with Raila until he became Prime Minister. Recently, in the AUC chairman race, we also saw President Ruto support Raila to the last minute,” Mr Atandi said.
He added, “Friendship with Ruto is the best we’ve ever had. The former president deceived us, and we will never find a more genuine political ally than the one we have now. We must celebrate William Ruto because he stood with us.”
Mr Atandi also absolved President Ruto of blame for the country’s economic struggles, instead attributing them to the previous administration’s reckless borrowing.
“Uhuru Kenyatta is to blame—he borrowed excessively and misused some of the funds. The economy will stabilize when we all work together as a team,” the lawmaker added.