•Bondo Residents Demand ODM Disciplinary Action, Threaten Impeachment Over “Disrespect” to Raila and Ruto
Siaya Governor James Orengo is under intense criticism from Bondo residents and local leaders after publicly rejecting the proposed broad-based government arrangement, sparking calls for disciplinary action by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
The governor’s remarks, made during the burial of Raila Odinga’s aide, George Oduor, in the presence of President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga, have ignited a political storm, with accusations of insubordination and disrespect.
Orengo’s Defiant Stance Sparks Outrage
During the funeral over the weekend, Governor Orengo declared that he would not be coerced into supporting the bipartisan agreement, a statement perceived as a direct challenge to both President Ruto and Raila Odinga.
His remarks came at a highly symbolic event, where political leaders had gathered in a show of unity following recent bipartisan talks.
Further fueling the controversy, Orengo was accused of mobilizing mourners to the funeral to flex political muscle against the two leaders.
Witnesses claim the governor’s supporters were overly vocal in their chants, creating an awkward atmosphere that some interpreted as an intentional slight against Raila in front of the president.
Bondo Residents Demand Apology or Impeachment
In response, Bondo residents, led by activist Jack Mawere, staged peaceful demonstrations, demanding that ODM’s disciplinary committee take action against Orengo.
Mawere accused the governor of collaborating with ousted Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to undermine the bipartisan deal, describing his actions as a betrayal of the Luo community’s political interests.
“For the first time, we have a Minister for Finance and an Attorney General from our region, but Orengo is uncomfortable with the broad-based government. He is working with Gachagua to sabotage Raila and Ruto. He has crossed the red line and touched a live wire,” Mawere declared.
Dan Onaga, another local leader, warned that Bondo residents would no longer recognize Orengo as governor unless he publicly apologizes to Raila.
“If he does not respect the president or our party leader, he should not step foot in Bondo. We are ready for his impeachment by the County Assembly and a by-election to elect a new governor,” Onaga stated.
History of Controversial Funeral Speeches
Critics have also pointed out that Orengo has a pattern of using funeral gatherings to make politically charged statements.
Fatuma Abdala Mohamed and South Sakwa youth leader Sam Ombok recalled similar incidents during the burials of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga in 1994 and Fidel Odinga in 2015, where Orengo allegedly seized the moment to advance his political agenda.
“Enough is enough. He did it during Jaramogi’s funeral, Fidel’s funeral, and now at George Oduor’s funeral. We cannot let him continue embarrassing us. This governor, who has no development record except attending musical concerts, must apologize to Raila or risk being a one-term governor,” Ombok asserted.
Political Repercussions Loom
The growing dissent against Orengo raises questions about his political future in Siaya, a stronghold of Raila Odinga’s influence.
With threats of impeachment and a possible by-election, the governor faces mounting pressure to reconcile with ODM leadership or risk isolation.
As the ODM disciplinary committee weighs its options, the fallout from Orengo’s defiance could redefine Luo Nyanza’s political dynamics, testing the balance between loyalty to Raila and independent political maneuvering.
For now, the embattled governor must navigate a precarious path—either mend fences with his party or brace for a fierce backlash from his own constituents.
ICBNews will continue to monitor developments as this political drama unfolds.
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