Wandayi declares Orengo’s political machinery dismantled, urges him to return to ODM

NAIROBI, Kenya – Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has announced that he has dismantled Governor James Orengo's political network in Siaya and urged him to rejoin the UDA-ODM alliance. Wandayi stated that Siaya is being integrated into a broad-based political movement, comprising UDA and ODM. He emphasized that there's limited political space for alternative parties in the county.

When asked about Orengo's decision to create a separate political entity, Wandayi noted that Orengo is free to form any party but expressed a personal desire for his return to the broad-based coalition. He revealed that Orengo launched the new party in a private home in Kwale. The CS dismissed the idea of competing political formations emerging in Siaya, vowing to mobilize former UDA-ODM dissenters.

Among the groups he plans to bring back, Wandayi mentioned the Linda Mwananchi faction and the Green Democratic Party of Kenya (GLDP). His primary goal is to unify the county's political landscape ahead of the 2027 election. Wandayi claimed he's made significant progress in dismantling Orengo's political apparatus, projecting confidence that Siaya will fully align with the broad-based movement.

He also defended his national role, emphasizing he serves all Kenyans, regardless of local political affiliations. The Energy CS stressed that Siaya has a history of political unity, citing residents' traditions of following a unified political direction. This new development highlights the internal political tensions within Siaya, as some leaders support the broad-based coalition while others, like Orengo, diverge from this approach.