NAIROBI, Kenya — Siaya County Governor James Orengo has challenged William Ruto to make a clear political proposal to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and residents of the Nyanza region if he genuinely seeks their support.
Speaking during a seed distribution exercise in Alego Usonga on March 10, Orengo said the president should stop sending mixed signals and instead state plainly what his administration is offering ODM and its political base.
“If President Ruto really loves the Nyanza people and ODM, let him come out clearly and give an offer we cannot refuse as ODM. Let him give us an offer that we cannot refuse,” Orengo said.
Questions Over 10-Point Agenda
The Siaya governor also criticised the broad-based administration over what he described as delays in implementing a ten-point agenda agreed upon by political leaders last year.
According to Orengo, the memorandum of understanding signed in March was intended to address key governance and economic concerns, but little progress has been made.
“Today I understand that the two parties, the United Democratic Alliance and ODM, are meeting to determine whether or not the ten-point agenda has been achieved. The clear assessment is that it has not been achieved,” he said.
The governor argued that the agenda was meant to provide solutions to major national issues, including governance reforms, economic pressures, and political stability.
Concerns Over Cost of Living and Rights
Orengo said several challenges raised during the negotiations remain unresolved, pointing to the rising cost of living and Kenya’s growing public debt as areas where the government has yet to deliver meaningful results.
“The clear assessment is that it has not been achieved. Abductions have continued, extrajudicial killings have continued, and the government has interfered with public meetings. The cost of living is still up, and debt is up,” he said.
The remarks reflect widening political debate over the performance of the government amid economic pressures affecting many households across the country.
Political Tensions
In recent months, Orengo has emerged as one of the most vocal critics of Ruto’s administration, accusing it of undermining democratic principles and restricting political freedoms.
The governor also claimed that police had arrested members of his staff ahead of the president’s planned visit to Siaya.
“This evening, several members of my staff have been arbitrarily arrested and detained in Siaya and Nairobi in connection with the presidential visit to Siaya tomorrow,” he said.
“This egregious conduct on the part of the police has no place in a constitutional democracy. I demand their immediate release.”
