Oburu faults Sifuna as he rallies Siaya behind Ruto

Siaya Governor James Orengo has come under renewed political pressure, with a section of leaders accusing him of neglecting his county duties and failing to unite local leadership.

This came as ODM party leader Oburu Oginga and his faction rallied residents to back their support for President William Ruto, hitting out at perceived rebels led by expelled Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.

Oburu defended their union and pursuit of a pre-election pact with Ruto, claiming they made the right decision politically.

“Those who are saying we are in a hurry are wrong. We are going to start the pre-election negotiations without delays. We want to ensure our people get a good share of government,” said Oburu, adding that their faction is pursuing 50 per cent of government positions.

As they spoke at Ahindi Gardens in Siaya, Sifuna and his allies lodged scathing criticisms of Oburu and President Ruto in Kakamega. They were accompanied by Orengo, who maintained that there is a plan to undermine ODM. Oburu and his allies rallied residents to support their course and challenged dissenting members to leave, claiming Orengo had abandoned his county.

The sharpest attack came from Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, who said the governor had abandoned his responsibilities and was out of touch with the people.

“Orengo has abandoned his duties,” said Wandayi, adding that the governor had disrespected both the late Raila Odinga and Oburu Oginga, the current party leader.

“We are warning Orengo that he will not be re-elected,” he said, claiming the only visible projects in Siaya today are those of the national government. Wandayi’s remarks during the ODM Linda Ground rally in Siaya town signal deepening political undercurrents in the county.

Similar concerns were raised by Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi, who accused Orengo of losing touch with his government.

Providing a historical perspective, Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda recalled the 1994 split that weakened FORD–Kenya, warning that similar internal wrangles could hurt ODM.

“In 1994, we lost FORD–Kenya. Those who made us do so are still alive and working to make us lose ODM again. We will not allow that to happen,” he said.

Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo declared, “Orengo must go,” reflecting growing dissatisfaction among some elected leaders.

Ugenya MP and MDG Party Leader David Ochieng warned the county could not continue on what he called an outdated development path.

“Orengo cannot use an old map to build Siaya. He must come back home and work,” said Ochieng, urging the governor to spend more time in the county.

Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu weighed in on the broader political direction, cautioning against confrontational politics.

“We cannot allow people to continue losing lives. Orengo should know that Raila tried these methods but realised it is only through dialogue and negotiation that we can build this country,” she said.

Karachuonyo MP Adipo Okuome called for inclusivity, saying everyone needs to be brought on board to form a stronger team.

Nyatike MP Tom Odege urged restraint, stating that leaders should allow Party leader Oburu Oginga space to execute his mandate without unnecessary friction.

The sustained criticism paints a picture of a governor increasingly isolated in his political backyard, amid accusations of being a “hands-off” county chief who spends more time in Nairobi than in Siaya.

Orengo has defended his leadership style, insisting that strategic engagements outside the county aim to attract investment and strengthen intergovernmental relations.

The leaders also defended the decision to expel Sifuna as Secretary-General, claiming he was harming the party.

Party chairperson Gladys Wanga described Sifuna’s removal as a justified decision.

“When we suspended him, we made the right decision. We have agreed to pursue pre-election negotiations with a party with which we share ideologies, and then we will talk to others as well,” said Wanga.