From critic to host, Orengo welcomes Ruto to Siaya

By Newsflash Repoter

Siaya Governor James Orengo has surprised many by shifting his political tone towards President William Ruto, just months after openly calling for the Head of State to resign. On Sunday, August 31, 2025, Ruto attended a service at St Peter’s ACK Cathedral in Siaya, where he was warmly welcomed by Orengo alongside other county leaders.

During the service, Orengo praised the Kenya Kwanza administration for bringing development to the region, specifically highlighting the construction of a 20,000-capacity stadium and the new Siaya Referral Hospital.

“Your Excellency, the President, I want to allay the fears for those who think you don’t have Siaya in your heart. Last week, I talked to you and you confirmed that on October 16, you are again coming to Siaya,” Orengo said.

This marked a notable departure from his rhetoric in July, when the governor accused Ruto’s government of failing Kenyans and insisted the President should step down due to widespread public discontent.

Raila’s Influence and New Political Calculations

Orengo also revealed that his softer stance was partly influenced by ODM party leader Raila Odinga, who reportedly urged him to ensure Siaya residents received the President warmly. “Last night, Raila Odinga rang me and urged me to ensure the people of Siaya receive you well. And as you know, when Baba says right, we go right. When he says we go left, we go left,” Orengo remarked.

The statement underscored Raila’s continued political influence in Luo Nyanza, a region traditionally aligned with the opposition. By aligning with Raila’s directive, Orengo signaled both loyalty to his party leader and willingness to embrace a working relationship with the national government.

Observers note that Orengo’s shift reflects broader political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections. With development projects taking center stage in national politics, governors in opposition strongholds face pressure to collaborate with Ruto’s administration to secure funding for local priorities.

Siaya’s Development Agenda and Ruto’s Role

Governor Orengo used the platform to announce the upcoming Siaya International Trade & Investment Conference (SITICO 2025), slated for October. He confirmed that President Ruto would headline the conference, which aims to position the county as a key investment hub under the theme “Positioning Siaya as an Investment Destination: Transformative Growth through Trade and Investment.”

The county’s 2023–2027 development plan envisions major investments in infrastructure, healthcare, and public-private partnerships. SITICO 2025 will feature keynote speeches, breakout sessions, exhibitions, business-to-business deal rooms, and site visits to priority projects. By aligning with Ruto on this initiative, Orengo appears to be betting on collaboration to accelerate Siaya’s growth.

Despite the governor’s new stance, his past criticism of Ruto remains fresh in the minds of many. In July, while addressing a rally in Bondo, Orengo had claimed that the Kenya Kwanza government had “fundamentally failed” Kenyans and that resignation was the only honorable option for the President. His sharp turnaround has sparked debate, with critics accusing him of political expediency, while supporters see it as pragmatism in the interest of development.

As political realignments take shape, Orengo’s embrace of Ruto underscores the fluid nature of Kenyan politics, where alliances shift with circumstances. Whether this marks the beginning of a long-term partnership or a temporary truce remains to be seen, but for now, Siaya residents appear poised to benefit from the renewed focus on development projects.