James Orengo: Man of all seasons in Kenya's ever shifting political winds

If the country had a poster for its faces of defiance, the faces behind the push for reforms, the face of Siaya Governor James Orengo would be plastered among the greats.

He has seen it all, challenged it all over his four decades in politics, but is not hanging his reformist coat just yet. Bold, fearless, and controversial, Orengo is on a fresh mission as he aligns with a team of young turks seeking to redraw the country's political landscape.

Governor Orengo has found himself at the centre of a momentous period in the country as the jostling to replace the late ODM leader Raila Odinga continues.

He has built a political career defined by defiance, resilience, and an unyielding belief in principle over convenience.

For more than four decades, the Siaya Governor has occupied a unique space in Kenya’s political theatre, sometimes at the centre of power, often at its margins, but always unmistakably present.

During the rocky political path of the late ODM leader Raila Odinga, Orengo was among the constant figures in Raila's circles during times of deep political upheavals.

So daring was Orengo that he was among the few leaders who did not bolt out in fear during the mock swearing-in of Raila in 2018 as the People's President.

Today, as the country navigates a new season of political realignments, Orengo once again finds himself standing apart.

With most elected leaders from his own county aligning with President William Ruto under the broad-based government arrangement, Orengo finds himself increasingly isolated, a political position that may jeopardise his bid for a second term as governor.

The recent visit by Siaya MCAs to Eldoret State Lodge to meet President Ruto underscored the widening gap between the governor and his county’s political class. While the legislators framed the visit as a strategic move to unlock development resources, Orengo has maintained that proximity to power must never dilute democratic accountability.

For a governor eyeing a second term, the fallout with nearly all MPs in his county presents a significant political gamble.

Last week, Orengo’s ally-turned critic, Alego-Usonga MP Samuel Atandi, told the MCAs to ‘smell the coffee’, with people interpreting it as a hint to an impeachment motion against the governor.

During a recent political rally in Busia dubbed ‘Linda Mwananchi’, Orengo reignited the ideological debate within ODM. Speaking with characteristic bluntness, he rejected any suggestion that the party should formally align with President Ruto ahead of the 2027 elections.

“We will not join a government whose policies we do not agree with,” declared Orengo, positioning himself as the guardian of ODM’s original reformist mission.

He insisted that the party’s mandate is to champion the welfare of ordinary Kenyans struggling under the weight of the high cost of living, rather than seeking comfortable seats at the high table.

Orengo’s defiance escalated on Wednesday following the ouster of Edwin Sifuna as ODM Secretary General. In a fiery statement, the governor directly accused President Ruto of orchestrating Sifuna’s removal to destabilise the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.

“The problem in ODM is President Ruto. He is convening meetings, excluding key leaders like Sifuna, and dictating the direction of our party,” said Orengo.

Speaking with characteristic defiance, Orengo claimed the chaos engulfing the Orange Party is a carefully orchestrated script written at State House. He alleges that Ruto is holding secret night meetings with renegade ODM factions to sow discord and weaken the party.

The allegations come in the wake of a tumultuous National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting that saw Sifuna suspended, a move Orengo insists is illegal and null.

The accusations have intensified internal divisions, particularly after a faction led by Oburu Oginga declared support for President Ruto’s 2027 reelection bid, a position Orengo firmly rejects.

While that faction signals accommodation, Orengo insists ODM will field its own presidential candidate.

Even amid the storm, Orengo appears to be thinking long-term. He has openly backed young reformist voices like Sifuna and Babu, positioning himself as a mentor to a new generation of opposition leaders.

Political observers say that through this, Orengo is extending his influence beyond Siaya, ensuring the continuation of reformist ideals even if his immediate political base is fractured.

While many Luo Nyanza leaders embrace engagement with the national government to secure development, Orengo emphasises that true leadership requires accountability and ideological consistency.

“He is preserving a unique political brand that even in isolation, he remains a reference point for principled opposition in Kenya,” said Michael Okumu, a resident of Siaya.

Analysts warn that if the local legislature fully backs development cooperation with the national government, and ODM fractures further, Orengo may face a steep uphill battle for reelection.

In Siaya, however, critics have questioned his commitment to his role as a county chief and claim he has prioritised national politics at the expense of serving the devolved unit.

This has been worsened by his fallout with his deputy, William Oduol, who claims he has been sidelined in county affairs. He is among a team of critics who have joined the race to try to unseat Orengo.

Others are the Movement for Growth and Democracy party leader and Ugenya MP David Ochieng, and UDA's Nicholas Gumbo. Also in the list of those considering to challenge him are members of the ODM brigade from the county, including Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi and three MPs: Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Samuel Atandi (Alego Usonga), and Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), who previously helped Orengo campaign for the seat.

Orengo, however, is unfazed by his critics and continues to blend his fiery anti-government campaigns even as his officers also compete against time to implement some projects across the devolved unit.

On Friday, a day after launching criticisms against President Ruto for allegedly infiltrating ODM and threatening multiparty politics, the county chief unveiled the ongoing construction of Ukwala Subcounty hospital, which is on course.

Similarly, he also appointed members of the Siaya County Public Service Board as he seeks to restore order in his administration.

According to Orengo, his administration is keen to implement development projects to transform residents' lives.