"HANDS OFF ORENGO," SAY DEFIANT SIAYA MCAs

Siaya, Kenya – A section of Siaya Members of County Assembly (MCAs) have come to the defense of Governor James Orengo, amid growing calls for his impeachment by some ODM leaders and professionals from Nyanza region.

Speaking on Friday, the MCAs dismissed the impeachment push as baseless and politically motivated, claiming it is being driven by selfish interests and external sponsorship.

East Asembo MCA Gordon Onguru said Governor Orengo should not be condemned for expressing his views as a Kenyan citizen.

“He has a right to speak his mind. We should not crucify him for that,” Onguru said. “Our MPs should ask themselves why they are the only ones making noise. We haven’t seen our party leader call out Orengo or Sifuna over their remarks.”

Yimbo East MCA Francis Otiato supported Onguru’s remarks, saying Orengo spoke the truth regarding the lack of development in the region.

“ODM is helping keep the Kenya Kwanza government alive, yet Nyanza counties, especially Siaya, have nothing to show for it. We have stalled projects like the Dhogoye Bridge, Bondo-Nango-Liunda Road and the Siriwo Rice Milling Plant,” Otiato said.

Governor Orengo recently stirred debate during the funeral of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s aide, George Oduor, when he insisted that the people of Siaya have a right to receive development from the national government.

The remarks sparked criticism from some Luo Nyanza leaders, but Orengo’s allies maintain that he spoke in the interest of the people.

Meanwhile, the Ramogi Professional Caucus, a group of professionals from the Luo community, has thrown its weight behind the Raila-Ruto unity pact, saying the community must embrace a development-first approach.

“As a community, we are united and fully support the broad-based government. This is the only way we can ensure economic growth. We cannot be in the opposition forever,” said group spokesperson Joshua Nyamori.