Siaya Governor James Orengo has issued a stern warning to four Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders nominated to President William Ruto’s Cabinet, cautioning them against joining the government without a formal agreement.
During a function in Nyanza on Friday, Orengo addressed the recent nominations announced by President Ruto on July 24, 2024, which included;
Nominated MP John Mbadi (Treasury), Ugunja MP James Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), former Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho (Mining and Blue Economy), and former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives and MSMEs).
Orengo emphasized the risks of joining the Kenya Kwanza government without a clear framework of cooperation between the government and the opposition.
“If tomorrow, Ruto decides to fire people, (what will you do?) It’s like you enter into a marriage without a certificate, null and void. It will be the greatest stupidity,” Orengo stated.
The governor urged political leaders not to exploit the ongoing Gen Z protests for personal gain by accepting government positions.
“As much as we want things done our way, we must remember in this sub-location we buried a demonstrator who was shot. There’s another kid who we buried who was shot in the leg. We have buried more than 20 people, but these leaders are not seen at the burials,” Orengo remarked.
Orengo, a long-time ally of Raila Odinga, reiterated his opposition to any covert plans for the opposition to collaborate with the government, emphasizing the importance of standing with the people in their fight for justice.
“We shouldn’t sit down with people who only think of how they will benefit themselves,” he concluded.
