The leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, Raila Odinga, has publicly defended Siaya Governor James Orengo following controversy sparked by a speech Orengo made two weeks ago.
Orengo, speaking in Siaya at the funeral of George Oduor, Raila’s bodyguard, boldly addressed the crowd, which included ODM supporters, party leader Raila Odinga, and President William Ruto.
In his speech, Orengo encouraged Kenyans to stand up for their rights and speak out, emphasizing that the fight for democracy must continue.
“I cannot be a praise-singer. We fought for a democratic Constitution that guarantees people the freedom to speak openly. I urge Kenyans to tell their leaders the truth.
If we continue to hear such divisive language, this country will spiral out of control,” Orengo stated. “If anything is brought to Siaya County, it will be seen as a right, not a favor.
We need to fight for our rights, and in doing so, we will ensure that our country remains great.”
At a separate event in Kendu Bay on Friday, Raila Odinga came to Orengo’s defense while attending the burial of Priscilla Koyo, wife of the 6th Ker of the Luo community, Koyo Opien.
Odinga clarified that Governor Orengo’s comments did not break any laws.
He also extended his defense to Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, who recently voiced concerns over the national government’s interference with devolution.
Nyong’o had pointed out that key functions, like roads management, should be under the control of counties, not the national government.
Raila Odinga stressed that Governor Orengo’s statement was made in line with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the ODM and the ruling UDA party. He insisted that Orengo, like any citizen, had the right to express his views.
“When James Orengo speaks, he does so within the context of the MoU between ODM and UDA. He has done nothing wrong; he is exercising his democratic right to speak his mind.
Similarly, when Governor Nyong’o talks about devolution, he is articulating ODM’s position,” Odinga remarked.
Governor Nyong’o had previously criticized the continued existence of the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) and the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERRA), arguing that they were unnecessary and went against the principles of devolution outlined in Kenya’s 2010 Constitution.
He specifically questioned why the national government was still managing road funds when counties, which have proven capable in areas like healthcare, could effectively manage these devolved functions.
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