Siaya Governor James Orengo has once again launched a strong attack against President William Ruto’s broad-based administration, calling it ineffective and accusing it of hiding behind political deals to undermine democratic institutions.
Speaking during an event in Siaya County on Wednesday, April 30, Orengo warned of an alleged plan by the current government to interfere with the 2027 general elections.
He claimed that the government was working behind the scenes to manipulate the operations of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in order to rig the upcoming polls.
Orengo cautioned that unless the IEBC is restructured in a transparent and independent way, it will not be able to carry out its constitutional mandate of overseeing free and fair elections. According to him, political interference is already compromising the electoral body.
“The last time Kenya had a truly free and fair election was in 2002,” Orengo said during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Boro Maternity facility in Central Alego. “If we don’t remain vigilant, the coming election in 2027 will also be manipulated.
I have been observing the situation closely, and based on the current efforts to influence the new IEBC membership, it is clear that unless they are allowed to operate independently, the country won’t get credible results.”
He further alleged that senior leaders, including former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, have repeatedly failed to win elections not because of a lack of public support, but due to a history of electoral fraud.
Orengo said these injustices have often forced opposition leaders to accept what he described as “meaningless political arrangements” like the so-called broad-based government, which he believes is a tool to silence dissent.
In a passionate appeal to the public, Orengo declared his willingness to fight for the country’s future, saying he is ready to lead demonstrations or even face jail again if necessary to protect the constitution and the rights of Kenyan citizens.
“If we don’t stand up to defend what is rightfully ours according to the Constitution, then the country is heading in the wrong direction,” Orengo said firmly.
“I’m ready to return to the streets, and if it means going back to prison for speaking the truth, I will not hesitate. This is no longer the Kenya we were proud of.”
He also took aim at the judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, claiming that there are deliberate moves being made to weaken its independence.
Orengo believes these actions are part of a wider strategy to suppress checks and balances and consolidate power in the executive branch.
As a key ally of Raila Odinga and a senior member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Orengo has in recent months intensified his criticism of the political arrangement between President Ruto and Odinga.
He has been among those in ODM openly questioning the benefits and motives of the handshake-style cooperation.
Despite his open opposition to the deal, Raila Odinga recently came to Orengo’s defense. Speaking on Friday, April 25, during a visit to Kakwajwok village in Kendu Bay, Raila told supporters that Orengo had done nothing wrong in criticizing the government.
The ODM leader clarified that his engagement with President Ruto was based solely on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and not a power-sharing agreement.
Raila’s statement appeared aimed at calming growing discontent within ODM, as more leaders question whether the MoU with Ruto is in the best interest of their supporters or simply a political convenience.
Join Our Political Forum official 2025 WhatsApp Channel To Stay Updated On time https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
