Siaya Governor James Orengo has exploded to the top of Kenya’s trending charts after a fiery speech at the burial of Beryl Achieng Odinga, Raila Odinga’s sister, yesterday in Bondo — a speech that has triggered a political earthquake across Luo Nyanza.
Given the honour of inviting ODM party leader Oburu Oginga to speak, Orengo used the platform to fiercely defend ODM’s autonomy, declaring the party “the biggest political unit in this region” that cannot behave like a guest under the Broadbased Government arrangement.
He reminded mourners of his decades-long role as adviser to both Jaramogi and Raila Odinga, saying Luo representation in government is not new, mocking the excitement over “just two Cabinet appointments.”
Then came the line that set social media ablaze.
Taking a jab at Interior PS Raymond Omolo without naming him, Orengo joked:
“When I talk about going to the streets, I’m criminalized. The other day someone quarrelled with Nya-Wang’aya and took women to the streets — was that Orengo?”
The crowd laughed.
His critics didn’t.
Atandi’s Explosive Rebuttal Lights Up Kenya
Within hours, Alego-Usonga MP Samuel Onunga Atandi — a beneficiary of the Broadbased setup and current Chair of Budget and Appropriations Committee — launched the first and harshest counterattack.
Atandi accused Orengo of running a corrupt county government, referencing allegations that the governor’s brother extorts residents with promises of phantom jobs — possibly tied to the scandal of 382 medical workers hired and fired under unclear circumstances.
His timing stunned Siaya: why hit Orengo with corruption claims during a debate on ODM autonomy?
Because Atandi is eyeing the Siaya governorship in 2027 — and Orengo has become his biggest obstacle.
Adding pressure, Ida Odinga publicly declared Oburu Oginga as ODM’s rightful leader, dismissing “those making noise on Facebook.”
The message was seen as a direct slap at Orengo’s hardline stance against the Broadbased pact.
A Growing Anti-Orengo Alliance
Orengo now faces a powerful local coalition preparing to unseat him in 2027, including:
Opiyo Wandayi
Nicholas Gumbo
David Ochieng
William Oduol
Samuel Atandi
Each has a strategic interest in weakening his influence.
State-Backed Intrigue: PS Raymond Omolo Enters the Game
PS Raymond Omolo’s increasingly visible activities in Siaya — including widow housing projects in Bondo — have fuelled belief he is a state-sponsored player preparing the ground for a post-Orengo Siaya.
Orengo’s public swipe at him has now escalated the silent turf war into open confrontation.
Why Orengo Is Trending #1
Because the Siaya governor has become the centre of a high-stakes political battle involving:
ODM’s future direction
The Broadbased Government arrangement
Succession politics in Luo Nyanza
State influence vs grassroots power
A 2027 showdown already in motion
Orengo’s refusal to bow to Broadbased pressure has ignited a storm — and Kenya is watching every minute of it.
That’s why Orengo is trending on X in Kenya.
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