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Alego/Usonga MP Samuel Atandi has urged Siaya County Assembly members not to impeach Governor James Orengo, suggesting that voters should decide his fate in the upcoming elections. Atandi criticized Orengo’s management, citing issues like unpaid electricity bills and a fake employment scandal affecting local youth, while some youths support Orengo’s presidential ambitions for 2027.
Africa-Press – Kenya. Siaya members of the county assembly have been urged not to impeach Governor James Orengo at this moment so as to allow voters to deal with him during the next general elections.
According to Alego/Usonga MP Samuel Atandi, impeaching Orengo at this point in time, when elections are just a year or so away, was a waste of time.
“If there is anybody in Siaya planning to impeach Orengo, I want to persuade him not to do it,” said Atandi, who was addressing a press conference at his South East Alego location rural home in Siaya.
But a group of youths from Siaya County maintained that Orengo was a good leader who should vie for both the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader’s post as well as the presidency of the country come 2027 general elections.
Atandi said that as leaders, they have already identified a candidate who will succeed Orengo.
“We have a candidate as people of Siaya, somebody who will work with the people of Siaya and will consult the people and ensure that Siaya is a progressive county” he said.
The legislator, who is also the chairman of the National Assembly Budget Committee, accused Governor Orengo of hiding under the “Linda Mwananchi” campaigns to cover his alleged poor management skills.
He said the poor management and corruption skills has seen the governor’s office operate without electricity after it was disconnected by the Kenya Power for unpaid bills.
Atandi also said that the alleged inept management led to hundreds of Siaya youth being conned of millions of shillings in a fake employment scandal in the health sector.
“More than 500 young people were employed for nine months after parting with bribes only to be sacked,” he lamented.
Youths demonstrate in Ugunja town, demanding that Governor James Orengo vie for the presidency on the ODM ticket in the 2027 General Elections./KNA
Addressing the media in Ugunja town, a group of youths led by Kenneth Otieno, Fidel Omondi Oyuka and Babu Victor hailed Orengo’s democratic record, saying that they were not amused by the treatment the governor has been getting at the hands of junior politicians within ODM.
“As youth, we feel that James Aggrey Bob Orengo should vie for the presidency,” said Otieno, adding that Orengo’s credentials coupled with his long-standing support for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga were enough experience.
Fidel Omondi Oyuka and Babu Victor said the youth were fully behind the governor and have been registering as voters to ensure that they participate in the next general elections to install him in power.
The political landscape in Siaya County has been marked by a strong allegiance to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), with Governor James Orengo being a prominent figure. His leadership has faced scrutiny, particularly regarding management issues and allegations of corruption. As the 2027 general elections approach, political dynamics are shifting, with various factions emerging to either support or oppose Orengo’s continued leadership and potential presidential candidacy. This situation reflects broader trends in Kenyan politics, where local governance and party loyalty play crucial roles in electoral outcomes.
