James Orengo: I do not go to State House to beg
By Joel Masibo, December 30, 2025Siaya County Governor James Orengo has defended himself from the recent visits to the State House amid his firm stance against the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) joining the government, adding that he does not go there to beg for development.
Speaking in a local TV interview on Monday night, December 29, 2025, Orengo said he does not go to the state to kneel at the feet of President Ruto, but goes there on the basis that the Constitution requires equity and fairness in the operations of the national government.
It is not begging
”As it were, the national government had set up funds to make interventions into housing, sports and health. Whenever those occasions arise, Siaya as a county must participate from the point of view that the planning and the implementation are both on the national and the county governments. It is on the issue of the structure of the Constitution. I do not go to the State House to beg; I go there on the basis that the Constitution requires equity and fairness in the operations of the national government.” James Orengo said.
Orengo’s criticism of the broad-based arrangement between the government and the ODM party has been widely viewed as a double standard. He has on many occasions argued that the ODM party must maintain its identity and strong opposition to hold the current regime accountable.
However, in June 2025, Orengo met President Ruto and walked away with goodies, including Ksh8 billion for affordable housing in Siaya, Ksh2.5 billion to construct hostels in higher learning institutions, Ksh2 billion for modern markets and Ksh1.6 billion to electrify over 10,000 homes in Siaya County.
Working framework
”I think that is very wrong; a simple reading of the Constitution says that there should be cooperation between the two levels of government. As you know, many activities fall under the national government’s domain, which are also within the jurisdiction of county governments; for example, housing, health, and sports,” he said.
At the same time, Orengo has failed individuals trying to sell the ODM party to the highest bidder ahead of the 2027 general election while calling for caution before pushing the Oburu Odinga-led political outfit into any political coalition ahead of the next general election.