Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi told President William Ruto that Siaya Deputy Governor William Oduol is effectively running the county amid Governor James Orengo’s prolonged absence and disengagement.
Speaking during a church service at ACK Bondo on Sunday, where President Ruto was warmly received, Wandayi highlighted Orengo’s failure to show up and deliver on core duties. “The deputy governor has taken charge of this county in the absence of the governor, and we are moving forward as a people,” Wandayi declared, positioning Oduol as the steady hand steering Siaya toward progress.
The remarks came as President Ruto toured the region for key events, including the opening of the Siaya Community Digital Hub in Bondo and a thanksgiving service for Health PS Ouma Oluga. Accompanied by ODM figures like Senator Oburu Oginga and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Ruto’s visit underscored growing alignments within the party, with pro-Ruto factions openly backing development initiatives.
Orengo’s no-show fueled speculation of deepening rifts within ODM. The governor has clashed with party leadership over its coalition ties with Ruto ahead of the 2027 elections, choosing instead to align with critics like Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi movement. Wandayi, a vocal Orengo opponent, predicted the incumbent’s re-election bid is doomed, stating he does not know who will replace Orengo but is certain “it will not be him.”
Finance CS John Mbadi echoed the criticism, accusing Orengo of prioritizing national politics over county responsibilities and abdicating his gubernatorial role.
The event also saw the symbolic return of Nicholas Gumbo, former Kenya Sugar Board chair and runner-up in the 2022 gubernatorial race. Oburu Oginga welcomed Gumbo back into ODM folds, hinting at potential endorsements to challenge Orengo’s stance.
Oduol, who has previously survived impeachment attempts and declared interest in the 2027 gubernatorial seat, welcomed Ruto and emphasized unity for development. Crowds and leaders rallied around his leadership, with some social media posts claiming overwhelming Siaya support for Ruto “except James Orengo.”
This high-profile snub and endorsement signal a major realignment in Luo Nyanza politics. As internal ODM tensions boil—pitting Oburu’s pro-Ruto wing against Orengo’s rebels—Oduol’s rising profile could reshape the county’s future leadership landscape ahead of 2027.
Will this mark the beginning of the end for Orengo’s governorship, or a fierce comeback? Kenya watches as Siaya’s political drama intensifies.
