Raila Supporters in Bondo Demand Governor Orengo’s Resignation Over Criticism of Ruto-Raila Alliance
Business came to a halt in Bondo town, Siaya County — the hometown of Raila Odinga — on Saturday as hundreds of residents poured into the streets demanding the resignation of Governor James Orengo.
The protesters expressed anger over Orengo’s repeated criticism of the newly formed working relationship between Raila Odinga and President William Ruto.
Holding tree branches and placards, the demonstrators insisted that Governor Orengo should reverse his position and publicly apologise to Raila Odinga and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.
They argued that his public remarks challenging the collaboration between Raila and Ruto were not only divisive but also disrespectful to the party leadership and the aspirations of ODM supporters.
According to the angry residents, it was unacceptable for Orengo to openly oppose a strategic move by Raila meant to enhance development in the Nyanza region.
They emphasized that if Orengo could not support the direction the party was taking, then he should step down to allow a new leader to be elected who would align with the current vision.
Protesters drew comparisons to a similar political fallout in 2015 during the funeral of Raila’s son, Fidel Odinga.
Back then, Orengo had also voiced disapproval of Raila’s handshake with former President Uhuru Kenyatta, telling mourners he would not be part of what he called a “bandwagon of praise and worship.”
“We, the people of Bondo, will not accept Governor Orengo’s stand. He did this before during Fidel Odinga’s burial, and now he’s doing it again. We refuse to be misled,” one protester stated during the demonstrations.
The demonstrators further urged the ODM party to take strong disciplinary measures against Orengo, accusing him of openly defying the party’s collective decision.
They claimed his actions were undermining party unity and that his confrontational tone could derail efforts to bring development and stability to the region.
They also criticized Orengo’s performance as governor, saying that despite his tough political stance, he had done little to transform Siaya County.
They accused him of using opposition politics to avoid being held accountable for the county’s slow progress.
Last week, during a public address in front of both Raila and Ruto, Governor Orengo stood firm on his views, declaring that he would not act like a “praise-singer.”
He reminded ODM supporters that they fought hard for a democratic system that allows freedom of speech. Orengo encouraged citizens to be bold and always speak the truth to their leaders.
“I cannot praise leaders blindly. We fought for a constitution that allows free speech. If Kenyans don’t speak out, this country will head back to chaos,” Orengo said.
“Anything brought to Siaya should be seen as a right, not a favour. We must stand up for our rights so that we can build a better nation.”
However, his strong remarks did not sit well with other party members. Alego Usonga MP and Budget Committee Chair Samuel Atandi accused Orengo of taking a confrontational approach that risked damaging the party’s image.
Atandi claimed that Orengo had a habit of positioning himself in the opposition to avoid being questioned over his own performance.
“Orengo has always preferred to operate from the opposition, using it as a cover to escape accountability,” Atandi said.
The growing tension between Orengo and Raila’s supporters in Bondo highlights deep divisions within the ODM party over its recent cooperation with the government, raising questions about internal unity and the party’s direction moving forward.
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