James Orengo has defended his decision to attend a meeting at State House Nairobi last year, saying his constitutional responsibilities and the needs of Siaya residents guided the move rather than any shift in his political position.
The governor, a founding member of the Orange Democratic Movement, joined the November meeting alongside several county officials and Members of County Assembly (MCAs). William Ruto chaired the gathering.
The visit sparked debate among political observers because Orengo has frequently criticized the Kenya Kwanza administration. However, the Siaya governor explained that the realities of governance often require leaders to work with the national government regardless of political differences.
Orengo: Leaders Must Balance Politics and Duty
Speaking during a radio interview on March 5, Orengo said elected leaders must strike a careful balance between party loyalty and their legal duty to the people who elected them.
He argued that public officials cannot ignore the political environment in which they operate, especially when it directly affects the management and development of their constituencies or counties.
“Even if you are an MP, you have to take care of your constituency. Similarly, with a governor’s position, running a county depends on the politics of the day,” he told Spice FM on Thursday.
Orengo said political parties play an important role in shaping national debate and supporting candidates during elections. However, he added that party interests cannot override the responsibility leaders have to deliver services and development at the county level.
Constitution Requires National–County Cooperation
The governor pointed to the Kenyan Constitution, which requires cooperation between national and county governments, as the foundation for his decision to attend the State House meeting.
“I go by the Constitution because it says that the two levels of government should work together in collaboration and cooperation. So when there is a basis and a need for me to engage the national government appropriately, I will not hesitate to do so,” Orengo stated.
He noted that decisions made by the national government often have direct consequences for county administrations. For that reason, he said governors must maintain working relationships with national leaders to protect devolution and ensure counties receive their fair share of resources.
Orengo added that he will continue engaging the national government whenever circumstances demand cooperation for the benefit of Siaya residents.
Warning Over “Imperial Presidency”
Even as he defended the meeting, Orengo raised concerns about the potential concentration of power at the presidency.
He warned that a growing trend of politicians seeking favors at State House could undermine fairness in the distribution of national resources. According to the governor, such practices risk weakening county governments and eroding the principles of devolution.
Orengo called for vigilance to prevent patronage politics from taking root, saying Kenya must safeguard systems that guarantee equal treatment for all counties.
