Governor Orengo criticizes govt, alleges plan to rig 2027 polls

Siaya Governor James Orengo has once more criticized President William Ruto's administration, describing it as ineffective and lacking direction.

Addressing residents in Siaya County on Wednesday, April 30, Orengo claimed that the government is plotting to manipulate the outcome of the 2027 general elections by undermining the independence of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

He warned that without a properly constituted and autonomous electoral body, the commission would be unable to deliver credible, transparent elections free from political interference.

"The last free and fair election that we had was in 2002. If we are not careful, even this election that is coming is not going to be free and fair," Orengo said during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Boro Maternity facility in Central Alego.

"I am looking at it critically, even with the IEBC. The membership that is going to come out of this process, I am sure, unless they are allowed the space, Kenya is not going to have free and fair elections," he added.

Governor Orengo claimed that prominent Kenyan leaders, including former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, consistently lost elections due to widespread rigging.

He argued this manipulation pushed Raila into what he described as meaningless power-sharing deals under the guise of forming an inclusive government.

During his address, Orengo declared his willingness to mobilize protests or even face imprisonment once more, all in the pursuit of freeing the country from poor leadership.

"Unless we are prepared to fight for what is in the Constitution as a matter of right, Kenya is going to lose direction. I am ready to go back to jail, I am prepared to go back on the streets. This is not a country to be proud of," the Governor commented.

The county boss voiced concerns about the Supreme Court's credibility, accusing certain forces of trying to undermine the judiciary's independence.

Orengo, a key ally of Odinga and a prominent figure in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), has been outspoken in opposing the recent deal between President Ruto and Raila Odinga.

Nonetheless, just a week ago, the former Prime Minister stepped in to defend Orengo, insisting that his criticism of Ruto’s administration was justified and not out of line.

While addressing residents at Kakwajwok village in Kendu Bay on Friday, April 25, Raila clarified that his relationship with Ruto was purely anchored on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).