Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi has issued a sharp warning to Nyanza leaders opposing President William Ruto’s administration, stating that their time has passed and that the Luo community is fully aligned with the current government.

Speaking in Migori County on Sunday, May 4, 2025, Atandi, in a veiled attack targeting Siaya Governor James Orengo, cautioned opposition leaders against their threats to return to street protests and defiance politics, saying their approach was outdated and potentially self-destructive.

“Some leaders from this community are promising that they want to go back to jail or they want to go back to the streets. I want to tell those leaders that some of them are so advanced in age that if they go back to jail, they will not come out,” Atandi said.

“Jail is not a comfortable place. Jail is like hell. If you want to go to hell… you may not come out,” he added.

In what appeared to be a swipe at Orengo’s leadership, Atandi claimed that most development projects in Siaya County are initiatives of Ruto’s administration.

“In Siaya, for example, development projects happening are majorly your development projects. We don’t have any other development projects other than your development projects,” the MP told Ruto.

Luo support

The Budget and Appropriations Committee chairperson went on to thank President Ruto for what he described as unprecedented support to the Luo community, traditionally a stronghold of the opposition, citing key appointments and budgetary allocations.

“You are the first President to give this community a second chance. As the chairman of the budget operation committee, I want to confirm to you that you have allowed us to appropriate resources to this community, the resources that are rightfully theirs,” Atandi said.

He dismissed claims that the Luo community was misleading the President, insisting that the people were honest and committed to working with the government.

“I know people are telling you that this community is lying to you. Luos do not lie. We are truthful people. We are honest, and we are going to support you as we do today,” he asserted.

“We are not your enemies. Your enemies are elsewhere,” he added.

Atandi also praised the appointment of Interior Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo, urging the President to entrust him with more responsibilities to continue advancing development in the region.

Orengo’s stance

Atandi’s remarks came a day after Orengo reaffirmed his commitment to speaking out against the Ruto administration, despite criticism from within the Luo political fold.

Addressing residents in Bondo on Saturday, May 3, 2025, Orengo insisted that he would not be silenced, declaring that his voice would remain steadfast in defence of justice and constitutionalism.

“The truth shall set you free… I cannot let Kenya or my community down by not speaking the truth. If there is anybody who wants to take any action against me, let them know I’ve been through trials and tribulations before,” Orengo stated.

The Siaya Governor added that he was guided by the legacy of political giants such as Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Raila Odinga, Tom Mboya, and Argwings Kodhek, and would remain loyal to their ideals.

“I recently said no one has ever gotten votes like Raila Odinga in presidential elections since 2007, yet every time, some people engage in election fraud and propaganda,” he said.