- Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga convened a meeting with some of the county leaders, not including Governor James Orengo, which sparked whispers
- Those who attended included deputy governor William Oduol, MPs Christine Ombaka, Elisha Odhiambo, David Ochieng’, and former Rarieda MP Fred Gumbo
- Oburu described the meeting as a “consultation session” aimed at uniting the leadership of Siaya and involving the local people
- The meeting is coming amid great political tension in Siaya, Orengo opposing cooperation with the administration of President William Ruto of Kenya First
Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga has sparked a debate in the political arena after holding a meeting with part of the county’s leadership, allegedly criticizing the Governor James Orengo.
Source: Twitter
The meeting, which did not include Orengo, has provoked mixed feelings among Kenyans, with many going to the internet to speculate whether the leaders were plotting to oust him from power.
Who attended the Oburu Siaya meeting?
On Wednesday, February 18, Oburu shared photos of the meeting on his social media, describing the meeting as a “consultative” meeting.
Those who attended included Siaya Deputy Governor William Oduol, MPs Christine Ombaka, Elisha Odhiambo, and David Ochieng, as well as former Rarieda Member of Parliament Nicholas Gumbo.
“Today I held a consultation session with an important part of Siaya’s leadership. Those present were Deputy Governor William Oduol and members of parliament Christine Ombaka, Elisha Odhiambo, and David Ochieng’, the party indicates a position of unity and discipline as it prepares to cooperate with the people at the grassroots.” Oburu wrote.
The presence of Oduol, who has reportedly had an unsatisfactory relationship with Orengo, has fueled speculation that he may be preparing to overthrow his boss in 2027.
Likewise, the return of Gumbo—who finished second behind Orengo in the 2022 election—has rekindled the debate about the possibility of a change of leadership in the county.
Why is Orengo in danger of being overthrown?
The move comes at a time of intense political tension in Siaya, where Orengo has remained steadfast in his opposition to any collaboration with President William Ruto’s government. Kenya First.
According to the veteran lawyer, compromise with the government Ruto would undermine the foundations of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and betray its core values.
In recent weeks, Orengo has aligned himself with Linda Mwananchi’s wing within ODM, which includes the Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Member of Parliament for Embakasi East Babu Owino, emphasizing the party’s ideological loyalty and discipline.
The wing is focused on protecting the party’s positions and dissociating itself from leaders who seem to be investigating alliances they see as strategic towards the 2027 elections.
Online, opinions were swift and divided, with some Kenyans questioning the timing and format of the meeting
Source: Facebook
@KenAseka “An important part of Siaya’s strong leadership while Governor James Orengo seems to be absent.”
@IkeOjuku “I am not on the side of James Orengo but any attempt to remove him by refusing to ‘oil’ will be futile and harmful.”
@PaulOch30741384 “This meeting has sealed the fate of Orengo.”
@MiwagaOkech6 “The leader of the party should be seen to include all, even in the choice of words. As a Senator and the leader of one of the largest parties in Kenya, you carry a responsibility that goes beyond personal discussions and normal party politics.”
@Nyabul4 “Where are Orengo and Amolo?”
@SkinaKevin “Are you planning impeachment or not?”
Will Orengo retain his seat in 2027?
Elsewhere, the latest poll by Mizani Africa showed that Orengo is facing tough competition for the 2027 governorship seat.
The survey conducted between February 7 and 12 showed that only 41.7 percent of participants accepted Orengo’s performance.
His deputy led with 27.9 percent support against Orengo with 24.5 percent, while Gumbo followed with 19.8 percent.
Mizani Africa noted that 14.5 percent of voters were undecided, a situation that makes coalition building, strategic messaging and grassroots mobilization important towards 2027.
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