Siaya Governor James Orengo has come out to address reports that he is pushing for protests, stating that his recent comments during the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party anniversary were taken out of context.
Speaking on Wednesday, November 19, during an interview with Ramogi TV, Orengo clarified he never called for protests, stating that his comments were just a warning to the government.
While insisting that his comments were misinterpreted, Orengo said he only meant that Kenyans have the right to take to the streets only if the government fails to fulfil its mandate.
Orengo questioned why he was the only one being condemned for such remarks despite other ODM party politicians making similar comments during the same event.
"Some people think that when I said we can go to protests, it meant I could personally take to the streets, and even Babu Owino said something similar," Orengo said.
"I did not mean we would just go. I meant that if issues are not being addressed properly, the streets are open, and we can protest in an organised way," he added.
Orengo's clarification comes hardly five days after he threatened to lead Kenyans into nationwide demonstrations against President William Ruto's administration.
Speaking during ODM's 20th Anniversary in Mombasa County on Friday, November 14, the governor said that Kenyans were prepared to go back to the streets if necessary.
"If ODM is strong and stands on the basis that Raila wanted a free country, we must fight everywhere. If you are afraid, do not sell us fear. We are prepared to go back to the streets. I, as James Orengo, am prepared to go back to the streets," Orengo said.
His sentiments were echoed by Embakasi Member of Parliament Babu Owino, who threatened to rally for nationwide protests against the rise in the cost of living.
However, Orengo and Babu Owino's comments have since drawn mixed reactions from Kenyans and senior government officials alike, with Treasury Cabinet John Mbadi raising concerns over the renewed calls for protests.
Mbadi yesterday noted that calls for protests, particularly by ODM members, risked dragging the party behind and rekindling old political wounds sustained previously during the fight for justice.
