Orengo finally meets Ruto at State House

By Newsflash Writer

After months of criticism directed at President William Ruto’s administration and the much-talked-about inclusive government, Siaya Governor James Orengo has finally met President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi.

In photos shared by State House on Thursday, 5 June, Orengo jointly led a delegation from the County with Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi.

The delegation consists of MPs, professionals and other influential opinion leaders from the County.

This development is part of ongoing efforts to calm political tensions in the region and unify leaders in backing the Kenya Kwanza government.

Orengo, who has come under fire from some ODM members for his firm opposition to Raila Odinga’s political rapprochement with Kenya Kwanza, has also been seeking avenues to engage President Ruto directly.

The governor confirmed that he had written to the Head of State after consultations with Raila, requesting an official meeting.

“I wrote to the President seeking a meeting, saying we wanted to meet him as elected leaders from Siaya. He responded positively, saying the Head of Public Service would coordinate the engagement. Under Raila’s guidance, we’ve agreed to work together for the good of Siaya. The county must progress,” Orengo stated.

Leaders set to push development agenda

Sources told Newsflash that the State House meeting plans had been finalized, with Siaya leaders expected to push for key development initiatives.

During his visit to Nyanza last week, President Ruto launched several projects in Kisumu and Homa Bay but gave Siaya a wide berth.

President William Ruto addresses a delegation from Siaya County at State House, Nairobi, on 5 June, 2025. Photo/PCS

Wandayi termed the meeting as a development-focused visit. “The delegation will include all elected leaders, professionals, clergy, businesspeople, youth, and women representatives from Siaya,” he said.

Unlike Kisumu and Homa Bay, which have seen increased national government investment, Siaya has not witnessed any major development projects.

Also read: Will Orengo & Sifuna survive ODM onslaught?

Orengo has been a vocal opponent of President Ruto, particularly criticizing ODM’s warming ties with the UDA administration.

At the burial of Raila Odinga’s bodyguard two months ago, which President Ruto attended, Orengo urged ODM supporters to rise and defend their rights.

However, the governor has faced backlash from leaders such as Wandayi, Senator Oburu Oginga, and MPs David Ochieng (Ugenya), Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Sam Atandi (Alego Usonga), and Gideon Ochanda (Bondo).

A group identifying as Siaya professionals even threatened to initiate impeachment proceedings against him, though the attempt failed after MCAs rallied behind the governor.

Oburu has repeatedly criticized Orengo during public forums, accusing him of clinging to political activism rather than embracing dialogue.