"WE'LL IMPEACH HIM": LUO PROFESSIONALS TAKE ON ORENGO

Siaya Governor James Orengo is facing mounting pressure from a section of Luo professionals over his recent remarks opposing the political cooperation between President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

The Ramogi Professional Caucus (RPC), a Nyanza-based group of professionals, has issued a stern warning to Governor Orengo, accusing him of undermining efforts to foster national unity and spur economic development in the region. The group has threatened to push for his impeachment if he does not retract his statements.

“We want to tell Siaya Governor James Orengo that we are not happy with his remarks at Oduor’s burial on Saturday,” said RPC Chairman Joshua Nyamori during a press briefing on Wednesday. “As a community, we are united and fully support the broad-based government.”

Nyamori argued that the Ruto-Raila alliance presents a valuable opportunity for the Luo community to benefit from national development, noting that continued opposition politics would only delay progress.

“This is the only way we can ensure we develop economically,” Nyamori said. “We cannot be in opposition forever.”

His sentiments were echoed by fellow RPC member Polycarp Ochilo, who cautioned that the group is ready to initiate an impeachment process should Orengo persist in his stance.

“If he continues like this, we will even impeach him,” Ochilo warned.

The group also demanded a public apology from the governor, accusing him of disrespecting President Ruto and embarrassing Raila Odinga during a period of mourning. Leadership expert Rachael Omollo also criticized Orengo’s comments as insensitive, particularly coming so soon after the passing of Raila’s longtime bodyguard, George Oduor.

“By his actions, Orengo disrespected the President and embarrassed Raila at a time when he is in mourning,” Omollo said. “He should offer an apology to both leaders.”

The controversy stems from Orengo’s remarks at Oduor’s burial on April 12, where he strongly criticized the push to align with the current administration. He maintained that cooperation with the government should not come at the expense of accountability.

“We must build a society grounded in the Constitution and the rule of law,” Orengo said during his speech. “We can’t just keep praise-singing all the time.”

Orengo cautioned that uncritical support for those in power could jeopardize the country’s future and emphasized that citizens have the right to demand services from the government—not as favors but as entitlements.

Looking ahead, the Siaya Governor also called on his party to start preparing for the 2027 general election, asserting that change can only come through challenging the status quo.