Orengo: It's an abomination, ODM can't join Ruto's government

Siaya Governor James Orengo has strongly criticised the idea of ODM joining President William Ruto’s administration terming it as an abomination, a disaster and something that cannot work.

His remarks come amidst emerging divisions in the party over ODM leader Raila Odinga's proposals for national dialogue with the Kenya Kwanza administration on the formation of a broad-based government.

Orengo emphasized the need for justice for families affected by the recent protest, saying prioritising their plight is important over political manoeuvring for positions.

"Putting aside my position as the governor, justice must be done. We must deal with the injustices now and not tomorrow," Orengo said.

He was speaking in North Alego, Siaya county on Friday during the burial of 25-year-old Kevin Onyango who was killed during the anti-government protests

"We cannot at a time we are mourning our people and some are scrambling for positions, this cannot happen."

Governor Orengo said Kenyans must listen to the voices of mothers like Mama Kevin to see that justice is served.

"I went to morgues and saw our children there. People are saying this is not our war but our children are dead in it. How can we get to government and those who have been killed have not gotten justice? I do not accept," he said.

"Am urging everybody that joining the Kenya Kwanza administration they are getting into a disaster and abomination it cannot work."

The governor told off critics claiming that Ruto's departure would plunge the country into a constitutional crisis.

"I want to tell you that there is nothing that will happen if Ruto leaves because we have heard powerful leaders who have left. Even me, one day when the time comes I will leave and the world will not end," he said.

Governor Orengo further reiterated his support for Raila.

Recently Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga noted that the ongoing calls to have President Ruto resign could trigger a resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government and plunge the country into unprecedented instability.

Oburu also noted that as ODM they are ready to engage in national dialogue and support President Ruto's plan for a broad-based political arrangement that could see opposition figures join the Kenya Kwanza Administration

On Friday, some Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition leaders reaffirmed they will not be part of the proposed broad-based government President Ruto said he will unveil in due course.

Azimio principal Kalonzo Musyoka said being part of the proposed government of national unity will be a betrayal, especially to Gen Z and millennials.

“We shall not participate in or support the proposed Kenya Kwanza-led broad-based government of national unity. This is a betrayal of the Kenyan people, particularly Gen Z and millennials, who have paid the ultimate price," Kalonzo said.

He said the resolution not to be part of the proposed unity government was reached by the Wiper Democratic Movement, Jubilee Party, DAP-Kenya Party, Party of National Unity (PNU) and Narc-Kenya during their respective National Executive Council (NEC) meetings.