Siaya Governor James Orengo has warned four Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders nominated to President William Ruto’s Cabinet of the dire consequences of joining the government without a proper agreement in place.
On July 24, 2024, President Ruto announced the second batch of Cabinet nominees, including four ODM leaders: 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).
Speaking at a function in Nyanza on Friday, Orengo warned the four opposition-allied leaders that they would be at the mercy of the Kenya Kwanza government if they joined the cabinet.
He explained that such an arrangement would be effective if the government and opposition agreed on the rules of engagement.
While referring to the grand coalition government between Kibaki and Raila Odinga, he stated that no decision could be made unless all parties were consulted and that the four members should be prepared to deal with any decision that the president desires.
“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,” he said.
The governor stated that political leaders should not use the Gen Z protests to seize government positions for personal gain, but rather fight alongside the people.
He expressed sympathy for the families who had lost loved ones during the anti-government protests.
“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,” Orengo remarked.
“We have buried more than 20 people but these leaders are not seen in the burials. We shouldn’t sit down with people who only think of how they will benefit themselves.”
Orengo has fought alongside the opposition and is regarded as one of Raila Odinga’s longtime friends.
He has, however, criticized the perceived plan by the opposition to collaborate with the government.
“I have my stand as Orengo, even if you abuse me I stand by what I say which is the truth which will stay forever,” he said.
“I stand with the Gen Zs. If you don’t follow the right path you’ll just be like KANU where the country became a one-party State. We have to be very careful.
”Cracks have emerged in the opposition in recent weeks as a result of ODM’s willingness to negotiate with the government, prompting other Azimio leaders to condemn the perceived alliance.
NARC Kenya recently issued a notice of withdrawal from the opposition, claiming that their presence in Azimio was no longer sustainable.
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