Siaya Governor James Aggrey Orengo has urged Kenyans to exercise caution when dealing with politicians, noting that many of them do not help the public throughout their time in power.
Speaking during the burial ceremony of the late Cyrus Jirongo on December 30, the vocal ODM governor said many politicians assume office under the guise of being true representatives of the people, yet in reality use their positions to accumulate wealth for themselves and their families.
“Kenyyans should not be misled. The people in government are the ones who earn salaries and allowances,” Orengo said.
According to the governor, politicians who have aligned themselves with the current administration receive salaries, per diem payments, and hefty allowances for their own benefit—not for the benefit of ordinary citizens. He argued that claims of being in government on behalf of the people are therefore misleading.
Orengo has consistently maintained a hard stance against President William Ruto’s administration, arguing that the current broad-based government arrangement is unhealthy for both the ODM Party and the country at large.
He has continued to urge his supporters to reject the idea of re-electing President Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
Orengo’s position is supported by several ODM leaders, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Saboti MP Caleb Amisi. Vihiga Senator and ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi is also aligned with the same faction.