James Orengo Defends His Visits to the Palace Although He Always Attacks the Government: “I’m Not a Beggar”

Siaya Governor James Orengo has defended his visit to the State House with President William Ruto, dismissing allegations of double standards
Orengo noted that his cooperation with Ruto is based on the Constitution of Kenya, which mandates cooperation between the national and county governments.
The veteran politician said that seeking the support of the national government for county projects is not a political compromise but a constitutional obligation.

Siaya – Governor James Orengo he has dismissed claims of double standards following his visit to the White House.

Governor James Orengo addressing the last political meeting. Photo: James Orengo.
Source: Facebook

Orengo emphasized that his cooperation with the President William Ruto does not contradict his longstanding criticism of the broad government arrangement between ODM and UDA.

The Siaya governor has been one of the main critics of the idea of a broad government, warning that ODM risks losing its identity as a “party of the people” if it formally aligns with UDA before the 2027 General Election.

Also read

ODM will die if it makes the mistake of collaborating with William Ruto, James Orengo warns

He has repeatedly said that a strong opposition is necessary to hold the government accountable and therefore his visit to the White House, put him in the middle of a weak act of political equality.

The veteran politician emphasized that his decision to meet the president was based on constitutional duty, not political compromise.

What took Orengo to the Palace?

Orengo was responding to criticism that, despite opposing the participation of ODM in the wider government, he himself entered the House and emerged with big promises of development for Siaya county.

On Thursday, June 5, the county boss visited Ruto, leaving with valuables including KSh 8 billion for affordable housing projects, KSh 2.5 billion for hostels in universities and TVET institutions, KSh 2 billion for modern markets, and KSh 1.6 billion to power more than 10,000 homes.

The development package has been cited by his critics as evidence of inconsistency, especially given that the broader plan he opposes is designed as a collaboration between ODM and Ruto’s UDA.

During the interview on NTV Kenya On Monday, December 29, Orengo strongly refused, saying that the Constitution of Kenya clearly provides for cooperation between the national and county governments, regardless of political affiliation.

Also read

Oburu Oginga Says He Won’t Die Soon, Slams Critics: “You Are Wrong”

“I think it is very wrong. I mean, a simple reading of the constitution says that there should be cooperation between the two levels of government. As you know, there are many activities carried out by the national government that are in the domain of county governments, for example, housing and health and sports. Those are issues that are in the domain of county governments,” Orengo said.

Subscribe to watch new videos

Did Orengo bring Ruto to his knees to give development projects to Siaya?

He said that several functions run by the national government, such as housing, health, and sports, fall directly within the jurisdiction of the counties as well.

According to the governor, the national government has established various funds aimed at these sectors, making it important for counties like Siaya to participate so that planning and implementation can be done together.

He positioned his visit to the White House as part of this constitutional structure, rather than a political endorsement of the broader program.

“But as it was, the national government has established funds to intervene in housing, sports, health, and whenever these events occur, it is important that Siaya as a county participates from the point of view that planning and implementation should be the responsibility of the national and county governments. It is about how the structure explains the constitution works,” Orengo said.

Governor James Orengo hugging President William Ruto in the last meeting. Photo: James Orengo.
Source: Facebook

Orengo was also keen to distance himself from the idea that he went to the White House to seek personal favors or political accommodation.

Also read

Moses Wetang’ula Warns Against Politicizing Jirongo’s Death If He Is Supposed To Be Burialed Traditionally

Instead, he said his participation is guided by the constitutional principles of equality and justice in the distribution of national resources.

He extended this argument to county administration, noting that justice is not only applied between the national and county governments but also within the counties themselves.

“I am not going to the White House to beg. I am going there on the basis that the constitution requires that there be equality and justice in the activities of the national government. And even at the county level, all sub-counties and wards have the right to equality and justice,” he emphasized.

What is Orengo’s warning to ODM?

Earlier, Orengo issued a stern warning to ODM leaders playing with Ruto’s administration, saying the party risks being reduced to a village party if it abandons its opposition role.

He said ODM’s strength has been derived from standing firm on principles, not seeking short-term political comfort.

The county chief warned that the open support for Ruto by some members of the party sends confusing signals to supporters who expect ODM to remain the voice of opposition and accountability.