Siaya Governor James Orengo has criticised political leaders who have aligned themselves with President William Ruto, saying their support is driven by personal interests rather than principle.

Speaking during an interview on a local TV station on Monday, June 29, 2026, Orengo claimed that some leaders who previously supported retired President Uhuru Kenyatta had changed their political allegiance after receiving better personal deals.

“They got a deal they cannot refuse, which is better than probably the deal they got from Uhuru Kenyatta. The deal is personal. It has nothing to do with their life for Ruto or otherwise. It’s just being transactional,” he said.

He contrasted their actions with his own political journey, saying, “Me, I’m as constant as the northern star. People who did politics with me, the Muliros, the Shikukus, the Matibas, and subsequently the Railas, the Muites, they know that on matters of principle, I stand as a rock. I can negotiate on other issues, but on matters of principle, you cannot second-guess me.”

Remarks on political loyalty

Orengo also responded to criticism from Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, saying he had stood by him during difficult moments in his political career.

“Sometimes I don’t like going personal. I don’t like talking things about people. But there’s a guy I removed from jail. He was charged and sentenced on a charge with murder. I spent time in court trying to defend him. When he wanted to be a Member of Parliament, I stood by him and made sure he got the nomination. So a lot of this is claptrap at the end of the day,” he said.

He added that politicians who had shifted their support from Uhuru Kenyatta to President Ruto could do the same again if presented with another opportunity.

“If they could throw away Uhuru’s deal and take Ruto’s deal, who knows if another deal is on the table. They’ll run for it,” he said.

Questions over development

The Siaya governor also dismissed claims that Nyanza had benefited significantly from development projects under the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Responding to suggestions that the region was experiencing increased development because it cooperated with the national government, Orengo said the projects being showcased did not reflect the situation on the ground.

“There’s a lot of balderdash. By the way, if you go to some of these projects that are being paraded, you go to Bondo. There’s a road Ruto has opened three or four times, from Bondo to some place called Lihanda. It has not changed for three or four years. It’s been there with contractors. As soon as he leaves, the contractors go away. And there are so many other projects like that,” he said.

Orengo’s remarks come amid continued debate within the Orange Democratic Movement over the party’s relationship with the Kenya Kwanza administration.

The governor has consistently maintained that political leadership should be guided by principles rather than personal interests as parties continue positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.