Siaya Governor James Orengo has assured President William Ruto of a warm reception in Siaya ahead of his visit on October 16, 2025.

Speaking at St. Peter’s ACK Cathedral in Siaya County on Sunday, August 31, 2025, Orengo emphasised that the people of Siaya are ready to receive the president and participate fully in the upcoming Siaya International Trade and Investment Conference.

“Your Excellency, the President, I want to allay the fears of those who think you don’t have Siaya in your heart. Last week, when I spoke with you, you confirmed that on the 16th of October, you are again coming to Siaya,” Orengo said.

He added that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga had called him to ensure that the people of Siaya receive the president well. “When Baba says right, we go right. When Baba says left, we go left,” Orengo said.

The governor highlighted the importance of unity, both within Siaya and across Kenya. He praised the president for including people from Siaya in his administration, noting the presence of Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and directors from the county.

“And we want Siaya to be united, but we also want Kenya to be united. And I’m glad, Your Excellency, the President, you are on the road of putting Kenya together. And this is exemplified by the fact that when you are forming your government, you included the people of Siaya.”

“I know you will include more, but you have a Cabinet Secretary, we have two PSS, and we have directors, and as has been said, if any other opportunity comes, please remember the people of Siaya. But I want to talk about what is coming soon. I don’t want to talk about what is coming in the future, in the distant future,” he added.

Orengo urged residents to remain united and work together for development, pointing out that “a people united will always succeed.”

Orengo softens stance strategically

His remarks mark a significant shift from his previous criticism of the Kenya Kwanza administration. In earlier months, he had openly criticised the government, questioning its effectiveness and attempts to rig future elections.

He had also described ODM’s participation in the broad-based government as an “abomination” and warned against compromising the party’s identity for political gain.

However, recent developments indicate a softening of his stance. Orengo has commended some of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s initiatives, including the Social Health Authority (SHA), which he said has significantly boosted revenue streams in Siaya. Political analysts interpret his current support as a pragmatic move to secure development benefits for the county.

He concluded by expressing gratitude to the President and Raila Odinga for their roles in facilitating the visit, noting that the collaboration between the national leadership and county officials is crucial for advancing Siaya’s development agenda.