Raila Odinga has publicly defended Siaya governor James Orengo and his Kisumu counterpart Anyang’ Nyong’o against criticism for their remarks on President William Ruto’s administration.
Raila asserted the duo’s right to critique government actions under the ODM-UDA cooperation framework.
Speaking in Homa Bay, the ODM leader emphasised that Orengo’s criticisms align with the ODM-UDA Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Nyong’o’s focus on devolution reflects the party’s core principles.
''I don't see the reason why people are bickering. When James Orengo talks, he’s talking on the basis of the MoU between ODM & UDA. He has not committed any crime, he’s got a democratic right to say what he wants to say. When Anyang Nyong’o speaks about devolution, he’s talking the language of ODM,'' Raila said.Orengo condemned the ODM-UDA partnership as an “abomination,” warning it risks associating ODM with Ruto’s governance failures. He recently vowed to avoid “praise-singing” and prioritize accountability.
Nyong’o, on the other hand, accused the national government of sabotaging counties by retaining agencies like KURA and KERRA, which he argues violate devolution principles.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei and other Kenya Kwanza allies have accused Orengo and Nyong’o of undermining the broad-based government through “political blackmail” and divisive rhetoric.
Cherargei demanded Raila rein in the governors, claiming their critiques threaten the stability of Ruto’s administration.
