Siaya Governor James Orengo has again taken aim at both President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga, saying he’s ready to go back to jail if that’s what it takes to defend democracy.
Speaking in Alego on April 30 during the launch of the Boro Maternity project, Orengo blasted Ruto’s broad-based government, calling it ineffective and warning that it’s laying the groundwork to rig the 2027 general elections.
He accused the government of trying to interfere with the independence of the IEBC, saying this could block free and fair elections.
“The last time we had a truly free and fair election was in 2002. If this continues, 2027 will not be any better,” Orengo warned.
Orengo also criticized Raila, his longtime political ally, for entertaining a power-sharing deal with Ruto, which he described as “nonsensical.”
He claimed Raila was forced into such agreements after being repeatedly denied victory through rigging, and now the country risks heading in the same direction again.
“I’m prepared to take to the streets or go to jail if that’s what it takes,” Orengo said. “This country is not on the right track, and if we don’t stand up for the Constitution, we’ll lose it all.”
He also raised alarm over what he believes are efforts to weaken the judiciary, including the Supreme Court, through political influence.
While Orengo has faced backlash for his outspoken stance, Raila recently defended him, saying Orengo had every right to call out the government’s shortcomings.
Raila insisted that his relationship with Ruto is based only on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), not a political alliance.
The war of words adds to growing tensions as the country edges closer to the 2027 elections, with key figures in opposition increasingly skeptical of Ruto’s leadership and some, like Orengo, ready to put their freedom on the line.
