Atandi Dismisses Orengo’s Defiance

Alego Usonga Member of Parliament, Samuel Atandi, has issued a stern warning to Siaya Governor James Orengo over his recent remarks suggesting a return to jail in protest against the government.
Atandi said that due to Orengo’s advanced age, such a move could be life-threatening.

“Some leaders from this community are promising that they want to go back to jail or they want to go back to the streets,” said Atandi on Sunday, May 4. “I want to tell those leaders that some of them are so advanced in age that if they go back to jail, they will not come out. Jail is like hell.”

Embracing Government Collaboration

Atandi further encouraged Luo leaders to embrace the opportunity to work with President William Ruto‘s government, saying such collaboration could drive meaningful development in Nyanza.

“We have an opportunity to work with the President to transform our region,” he said, urging leaders to focus on development over defiance.

Orengo’s Defiant Stance

Orengo, a veteran politician and close ally of ODM leader Raila Odinga, had earlier vowed to go back to jail if necessary. While speaking in Siaya on Wednesday, April 30, Orengo criticized the government’s handling of constitutional rights.

“Unless we are prepared to fight for what is in the Constitution as a matter of right, Kenya is going to lose direction,” said Orengo. “I am ready to go back to jail. I am prepared to go back on the streets.”

Rising Political Tensions

During the funeral of Raila Odinga’s bodyguard George Oduor, Orengo reiterated that he would not blindly support the Kenya Kwanza administration. He urged leaders to be honest and avoid sycophancy.

“We can’t keep praise-singing all the time. If you keep praise-singing we will not have a country,” he warned. “If you want something from the government, it is a matter of right. It is not a favour.”

The public spat between Atandi and Orengo has reignited debate on how opposition leaders should engage with the current government. As ODM members weigh between collaboration and confrontation, Kenya watches how this power balance unfolds.