Siaya Governor James Orengo has criticised what he described as extravagant public spending by some government leaders.

He is questioning the priorities of state officials at a time when voters continue to struggle with poor infrastructure and victims of police brutality are still seeking justice.

Speaking during an interview with a local television station on Monday, June 29, 2026, Orengo said he was concerned by what he considers misplaced government priorities.

For instance, he cited the use of multiple helicopters for official functions alongside large public fundraisers while critical infrastructure remains unattended.

“I never knew in my life I would see a situation where public officers ride in 10, 20 choppers at public expense and then, within one hour, contribute Sh35 million, and next to the venue of that event is a bridge that was swept by storms in Migori, and for eight, nine months, that bridge has not been repaired,” Orengo said.

The governor did not identify the specific event or public officers he was referring to during the interview.

His remarks come amid ongoing national debate over public expenditure, development priorities and the cost of running government as Kenyans continue to grapple with a high cost of living.

Justice before compensation

Orengo also commented on the government’s decision to compensate victims of police brutality arising from demonstrations between 2017 and 2025.

While acknowledging compensation as important, he argued that accountability should come first.

“First, the honourable thing that the government should have done was to apologise publicly to the people and to the victims and their families.

“Secondly, the issues of justice and accountability should precede compensation. You cannot compensate without knowing the extent of injury and damage,” he said.

His remarks come after the government announced compensation for victims of police brutality, with officials maintaining that the payments form part of efforts to address historical injustices.

Why Orengo rode a boda boda during the June 25 protests

Orengo also defended his decision to use a boda boda while attending a memorial gathering in Nairobi for victims of anti-government protests.

The governor said the move was symbolic and intended to demonstrate solidarity with protesters despite a heavy police presence.

“If you look at the pictures of the demonstrations that I have participated in with people like Muliro Shikuku, we always made sure that when we took part in a demonstration, we were at the front line. Being on a motorbike was to show that even with police violence, I am there,” he said.

He further criticised the policing of the June 25 demonstrations, arguing that security officers should have facilitated peaceful assemblies rather than restricting movement into the city.

“It was callous behaviour by the police on 25th June. They should have escorted us irrespective of the numbers and should not have limited the number of people coming to the city, but I was happy; people demonstrated by not going to work,” Orengo said.

The National Police Service has previously maintained that its officers operate within the law when managing public demonstrations

Authorities have also stated that any allegations of misconduct by police officers are subject to investigation through the appropriate legal and oversight mechanisms.

Orengo’s latest remarks add to the growing political debate over public spending, police accountability and governance as political activity ahead of the 2027 General Election continues to intensify.