Orengo to Opposition leaders: We must begin to talk now
By Viola Kosome, July 4, 2026Siaya Governor James Orengo has declared that opposition leaders are working together to build a united political front ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying their discussions are focused on the country’s future rather than individual political ambitions.
Speaking during a church service at Apondo SDA Church in Ahero on Saturday, July 4, 2026, Orengo said his attendance at the event demonstrated the growing cooperation among opposition leaders.
He revealed that he altered his schedule after receiving calls from Martha Karua and Fred Matiang’i, despite initially having another engagement in Nyakach.
“I want the country to know that we are working together in reality,” Orengo said, adding that the presence of different leaders at the event reflected ongoing consultations on the country’s direction.
He said the discussions among opposition leaders are aimed at identifying solutions to Kenya’s challenges before settling on a presidential candidate, arguing that leadership should be guided by ideas and policies rather than personalities.
“We must begin to talk now. The fact that we are here means we are talking about making Kenya a better country. We are not just talking about who is going to be the president or the next leader,” he said.
Orengo noted that holding the presidency alone does not guarantee good leadership, saying the coalition’s objective is to develop proposals that will address the country’s pressing issues before presenting a candidate to Kenyans.
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The governor described himself as the “remaining Raila Odinga” and the de facto leader of ODM, insisting that the party’s support base in the Nyanza region would remain united.
He claimed that the president had lost political support across the country, saying Kenyans were ready for a change in leadership during the next General Election.
Orengo accused the president of misusing state power, alleging that government institutions were being run as though they were personal property.
He further criticised some leaders whom he said had abandoned the ideals championed in the struggle for constitutional reforms.
“Kenya is not a monarchy. We did not go to detention and jail for this country to become a monarchy. Kenya is a democratic state,” he said.
The Siaya governor also claimed that the cooperation agreement between Raila and President Ruto, built around a 10-point agenda, had failed to deliver on any of its objectives.
He further criticised what he described as extravagance in government, alleging that public resources were being wasted through frequent helicopter trips and the distribution of large sums of money during political events.
“Those helicopters are funded by taxpayers. It is your money that is being spent,” he told the congregation.
Orengo also cautioned politicians from the Nyanza region against promoting divisive ethnic politics, saying such rhetoric would undermine efforts to build national unity and attract support from other communities.
In a major political declaration, Orengo announced that he intends to contest the presidency, saying he believes he is qualified to lead the country.
He urged opposition leaders to remain united to avoid splitting votes and improve their chances of defeating President Ruto in the 2027 election.
“We are going to talk and walk together. We are one people, one nation. Because we do not want to give Ruto another chance, we must work together, continue talking and win the presidency,” he said.