NAIROBI, Kenya- Siaya Governor James Orengo has defended his decision to seek the presidency in 2027, rejecting claims that his bid is intended to undermine Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s presidential ambitions.
Orengo confirmed that he will compete for the presidential nomination within the Linda Mwananchi movement, where Sifuna has also positioned himself as a potential candidate.
“I am going to run for president, which is not a crime,” Orengo said, arguing that competition within a political formation does not necessarily amount to division.
Orengo drew comparisons with the 2007 elections, when senior figures in the Orange Democratic Movement operated within the party’s so-called Pentagon structure while pursuing presidential ambitions.
“In 2007 there was what was called the Pentagon within ODM. The five people who constituted the Pentagon were all presidential candidates,” he said.
The governor rejected suggestions that his entry into the presidential race was aimed at derailing Sifuna.
“I am not spoiling it, because I am committed to having one presidential candidate,” Orengo said.
He added that those opposed to competition within the movement were failing to embrace democratic principles.
“Those who are raising these fears are not democrats,” he said.
Orengo also revealed that the question of the coalition’s presidential candidate had already generated disagreement among its principals.
He said the issue was raised during the coalition’s retreat in Limuru, Kiambu County, but he opposed putting it on the agenda at that stage.
“The issue of a presidential candidate was brought as an agenda, but I said it was inappropriate at that time and that it needed more consultation,” Orengo said.
He disclosed that his position did not go down well with some of the leaders present at the retreat.
“Some people were unhappy about that,” he said.
The remarks come amid growing competition within Linda Mwananchi over who should eventually carry its presidential ticket in the 2027 General Election.
Sifuna has already declared his interest in the presidency, while Orengo’s entry has introduced another senior figure into the contest. Citizen Digital reported that Orengo has argued that the coalition should allow internal competition before settling on a single candidate.
The governor has previously described himself as a leader of Linda Mwananchi and has pledged to work with Sifuna, even as questions over the movement’s eventual flagbearer continue to emerge.
Orengo has also previously run for president. He contested the 2002 election on a Social Democratic Party ticket before returning to ODM politics ahead of the 2007 General Election.
His latest declaration therefore sets up a potentially significant contest within the opposition movement as its leaders negotiate how to select a single presidential candidate ahead of 2027.
