Orengo faces fierce challenge as former allies turn against him

Siaya Governor James Orengo during an interview at his office. [File, Standard]

Less than four years after riding a united political machine into office, Governor James Orengo now faces his toughest challenges yet.

This threat does not come from the opposition, but from former allies who once backed and defended his rise to power.

Critics have accused him of being hands-off, exhibiting failed leadership and leaving no tangible development track record.  They are now seeking to unseat him or back another candidate to prevent his return in the 2027 elections.

Among those considering a challenge 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.

While none of the ODM leaders have formally declared their intention to run for the gubernatorial seat in 2027, they have openly criticised Orengo’s leadership and urged the party to consider a more popular candidate. They claim his popularity has waned.

Ugenya MP and Movement for Growth and Democracy (MDG) party leader David Ochieng, who supported Orengo in the last election, has officially declared his interest in the governor’s seat. Both Ochieng and Orengo hail from Ugenya constituency.

Ochieng has been meeting opinion leaders and residents across Siaya County to strengthen his MDG party and promote his gubernatorial bid. He says he is running because of failed leadership that needs to be addressed in Siaya.

“Siaya is on autopilot; nothing is working. We have recently witnessed major employment scandals, a clear sign that systems are failing,” he said. The MP added: “Siaya County has immense tourism potential, yet only one percent has been tapped.”

Orengo’s deputy, William Oduol, with whom he fell out just four months after taking office in 2022, has also declared his intention to unseat the governor.

Oduol made the announcement yesterday at his Alego Usonga home, saying he will seek the ODM ticket and warning Orengo to be ready for a showdown at the party primaries.

“I have returned to ensure that the manifesto I publicly shared with the electorate in 2013 is implemented. I am officially in the race for the governor’s seat in 2027 and will contest the ODM ticket. We shall meet at the nomination. I also support the broad-based arrangement,” he said.

Oduol added that Orengo had opposed him up to the level of impeachment, despite the financial and political support he provided to help Orengo secure the governorship.

Political observers note that the entry of Ochieng into the 2027 gubernatorial race further complicates matters for Orengo.

Lawyer Salim Odeny argues that in any contest between Ochieng and Orengo in Ugenya, perception favours Ochieng, suggesting Orengo may come out on the shorter end of the stick.“In politics, perception often outweighs reality. Even if Ochieng does not clinch the seat, he could still damage Orengo’s chances of winning,” Odeny says.

He adds that assessing the performance of Ochieng and Orengo in Ugenya and Ugunja requires understanding their distinct political styles.“While Orengo is an experienced politician, he aligns more with the national government than with grassroots politics. That is why he is often drawn into national affairs, unlike his regional colleagues,” Odeny observes.

Political commentator Charles Ogada notes that Orengo came in as a second-generation governor, succeeding former Governor Cornel Rasanga. Many had expected huge change and development under his leadership.

“Those expectations have largely remained unfulfilled. Task force reports are gathering dust, leadership has been non-consultative and statutory compliance is lacking,” he says.

Orengo, however, is maintaining a brave front in the face of emerging challenges to his leadership.