Siaya Governor James Orengo, a close ally of Raila Odinga, has warned Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders against accepting Cabinet Secretary positions in President William Ruto’s government.
Orengo’s remarks come amid heightened political tensions and controversy surrounding potential cabinet appointments from within the party.
Orengo, known for his unwavering stance on constitutional principles, did not mince words on the intention by some leaders within the Orange Democratic Party to take up Cabinet Secretary roles in the Kenya Kwanza administration.
"Taking a CS position in the name of ODM betrays the principles of the Constitution and the progressive movement which the party represents. It's absolute treachery and an act of political cannibalism. Even hyenas are not as bloodthirsty to eat the dead. Watching you tomorrow," he declared.
According to Siaya Governor, the move will be a blatant betrayal of the party’s foundational values and the worthy fight by the Gen Z protesters.
Speaking in North Alego, Siaya County on July 19, the county boss further highlighted the ongoing mourning within the community, pointing out the insensitivity of jostling for positions at such a time.
"Putting aside my position as the governor, justice must be done. We must deal with the injustices now and not tomorrow. We cannot, at a time we are mourning our people, have some scrambling for positions. This cannot happen," he stated.
Orengo’s address continued with a personal recount of his recent visits to morgues, where he saw firsthand the tragic loss of young lives.
"I went to morgues and saw our children there. People are saying this is not our war, but our children are dead in it. How can we get to government when those who have been killed have not gotten justice? I do not accept," he affirmed.
However, Orengo’s strong stance has not gone unchallenged within the ODM ranks.
ODM national chairman and nominated MP John Mbadi openly disagreed with the Siaya Governor’s position.
"I am in total disagreement with James Orengo; he is my senior, but where he is wrong, I must tell him that he is wrong," Mbadi responded.
Mbadi argued for the necessity of dialogue and collaboration, even with political adversaries.
"You cannot tell us that we cannot dialogue, that we cannot talk with Ruto, that we cannot talk as Kenyans. What is the alternative? We cannot play the politics of populism; we cannot play the politics of theory. We have been playing politics of theory since independence, and that is why we have got these things wrong," he said.
Mbadi is advocating for a more pragmatic approach to political engagement with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
