
Orengo Dismisses Governor Wanga’s ‘Not Our War’ Remarks While Terming Ruto’s Gov’t ‘Abomination’
Siaya Governor James Orengo has strongly opposed the idea of ODM joining President William Ruto’s administration, describing it as an abomination, a disaster, and something that cannot work.
His comments come amid growing party divisions over ODM leader Raila Odinga’s proposals for national dialogue with the Kenya Kwanza administration on the formation of a broad-based government.
Orengo emphasized the importance of justice for families affected by the recent protest, stating that their plight should take precedence over political maneuvering for positions.
Today we said a final farewell to Kevin Ochieng' Onyango in Alego Usonga Constituency. Kevin was shot dead by the police during the peaceful nationwide anti-government protests in Siaya County.
— James Orengo (@orengo_james) July 19, 2024
There must be accountability for the brutal killings that now seems to be the order… pic.twitter.com/11WxT2Erwp
“Putting aside my position as the governor, justice must be done. We must deal with the injustices now and not tomorrow,” Orengo said.
He was speaking in North Alego, Siaya county, on Friday during the burial of Kevin Onyango, 25, who was killed during the anti-government protests.
“We cannot at a time we are mourning our people and some are scrambling for positions, this cannot happen.”
Governor Orengo stated that Kenyans must listen to the voices of mothers like Mama Kevin to ensure that justice is served.
“I went to morgues and saw our children there. People are saying this is not our war but our children are dead in it. How can we get to government and those who have been killed have not gotten justice? I do not accept,” he said.
“I am urging everybody that joining the Kenya Kwanza administration they are getting into a disaster and abomination it cannot work.”
The governor dismissed critics who claimed that Ruto’s departure would plunge the country into a constitutional crisis.
“I want to tell you that there is nothing that will happen if Ruto leaves because we have heard powerful leaders who have left. Even me, one day when the time comes I will leave and the world will not end,” he said.
Governor Orengo has reiterated his support for Raila.
Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga recently stated that ongoing calls for President Ruto’s resignation could spark a resurgence of unconstitutional government changes, plunging the country into unprecedented instability.
Oburu also stated that as ODM, they are prepared to engage in national dialogue and support President Ruto’s plan for a broad-based political arrangement in which opposition figures could join the Kenya Kwanza Administration.
Some Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition leaders reaffirmed on Friday that they will not be part of President Ruto’s proposed broad-based government, which he plans to unveil in due course.
Azimio principal Kalonzo Musyoka stated that joining the proposed national unity government would be a betrayal, particularly to Generation Z and millennials.
“We shall not participate in or support the proposed Kenya Kwanza-led broad-based government of national unity. This is a betrayal of the Kenyan people, particularly Gen Z and millennials, who have paid the ultimate price,” Kalonzo said.
He stated that the Wiper Democratic Movement, Jubilee Party, DAP-Kenya Party, Party of National Unity (PNU), and Narc-Kenya all resolved not to participate in the proposed unity government at their respective National Executive Council (NEC) meetings.
Orengo Dismisses Governor Wanga’s ‘Not Our War’ Remarks While Terming Ruto’s Gov’t ‘Abomination’