Statements by Siaya Governor James Orengo and his Kisumu counterpart Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o regarding President Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza government have intensified calls for Mr. Odinga to pull out of the government.
Some of the development projects launched or promised by the President have also become a hot topic, with citizens skeptical about their implementation and timely completion.
The growing rift within ODM over cooperating with the government raises questions about whether Raila will maintain his alliance with the President until 2027.
On Tuesday, Governor Nyong’o lashed out at President Ruto, accusing his administration of reversing the gains made since Kenya's second liberation leading up to the 1992 elections.
The governor appeared particularly upset over the national government’s refusal to allow governors to manage road construction funds, despite counties having successfully handled the health sector.
“The truth is, Ruto’s administration is taking the country backward to a time when devolution did not exist. The fruits of the second liberation should not be casually discarded,” said Prof. Nyong’o.
Nyong’o’s statement has reignited claims that he opposed ODM’s decision to collaborate with Ruto and had even turned down a cabinet position.
Prof. Nyong’o, a longtime Raila ally, was left in charge of ODM when Raila was vying for the African Union Commission (AUC) chair.
He is in his second term as governor and previously served as ODM’s Secretary General from 2005 to 2014. He is considered one of Raila’s most loyal lieutenants.
At the funeral of Raila’s bodyguard on April 12, Governor Orengo stirred debate by stating he could never be a puppet of President Ruto.
“I cannot be a puppet because we fought for a constitution that guarantees freedom of expression. I was in Parliament when MPs used to tell President Daniel Moi that he would rule forever,” said Orengo.
According to political analyst Martin Andati, it seems the Raila-Ruto ship is starting to wobble, as citizens question how they are benefiting while challenges and harmful policies persist.
“The outbursts by Orengo and Nyong’o — who’ve been close to Raila for years can’t be dismissed. They’ve likely realized something, and parts of the agreement may not be implemented.”
“The President has launched projects in Nyanza, but their execution isn’t progressing as many expected, and youths are questioning how they benefit while relatives of political leaders get jobs, and their own problems remain unsolved,” Andati said.
The analyst noted that ODM MPs may find it hard to sell the inclusive government in Nyanza and other regions because Orengo’s opposition has awakened the public to concerns about Ruto’s leadership.
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