Aasai

Siaya Governor James Orengo, a long-time political hardliner and staunch critic of President William Rutos administration, has taken a surprising turn by leading a delegation of Siaya County leaders to State House in Nairobi. This marks a major shift in his earlier position, where he strongly opposed any political cooperation between President Rutos United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). The visit was aimed at presenting Siaya’s development agenda, signaling what many see as a softening of his stance and a step toward working with the Kenya Kwanza government.

For months, Orengo had remained one of the most defiant voices within ODM, fiercely opposing any political engagement with the ruling coalition. In January this year, he warned residents of the Luo Nyanza region against what he termed as ‘selling out’ to the government for short-term benefits. “I want to plead with our people, the Luo. We have our identity. If we lose that identity for easy victory, we are going to pay for it… We must not make compromises. ODM must not be part of Ruto’s praise and worship team,” he said at the time. Orengo consistently argued that development is a constitutional right that should be accessed regardless of political affiliation.

However, in a surprising twist on Thursday, the Siaya Governor changed tune and humbly appealed for support from President Ruto. Speaking during the State House visit, Orengo said, “Please come to our aid in transforming Siaya.” This plea was seen as a significant departure from his earlier rhetoric. Political observers have termed this move as a calculated climb-down, reflecting growing pressure from the grassroots and changing political dynamics within the region. Orengo’s decision may be influenced by a need to secure development funds and national government support for county projects amid economic challenges facing the devolved units.

During the meeting, Orengo also went on to commend some of the initiatives by the Kenya Kwanza administration, particularly praising the Social Health Authority (SHA) program for its positive impact in Siaya. He noted that out of 175 health facilities in the county, 163 had been successfully registered under SHA, significantly improving service delivery and revenue collection. “We are not in the big league yet, but you can understand initially… You know what I mean,” he remarked with a smile, acknowledging the county’s initial hesitation in embracing the program. His comments drew laughter from the audience, signaling a more relaxed tone and willingness to cooperate with the central government.

President Ruto, in response, welcomed the gesture and praised the spirit of unity, emphasizing that the broad-based government model is intended to foster inclusive development across all regions. He stressed that even ODM leader Raila Odinga had shown support for a united national agenda. “There are now no characters to go and tell Baba, Oh, you see, there is a problem. Baba told them, No, no…” Ruto said. Orengo’s change of heart is being interpreted by political analysts as a sign of the Kenya Kwanza administration gaining ground in regions that were previously strongholds of opposition. The move is seen as a strategic recalibration that could pave the way for deeper cooperation between ODM and UDA in the future.