Ugenya MP David Ochieng speaks during issuance of bursaries in North Ugenya Ward/HANDOUTUgenya MP David Ochieng has called on Siaya Governor James Orengo to shelve political differences with other leaders in the county and focus on development efforts.
He warned that continued infighting among leaders is stalling progress in the region.
Ochieng, who also leads the Movement for Democracy and Growth (MDG) party, expressed concern that while other counties are moving forward, Siaya remains mired in political supremacy battles.
“The leadership of the county needs to put aside differences and work for the people. If that is not possible, I can as well step up for the task,” Ochieng said during a bursary issuance event in North Ugenya Ward.
The MP urged Orengo to convene a meeting of county leaders to discuss a unified path for development.
“Orengo needs to unite political camps and work with leaders focused on development,” he added.
Ochieng's remarks come amid escalating tensions within Siaya's political leadership, with Orengo at odds with Senator Oburu Oginga and Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi.
The feud has been fueled by Orengo’s open criticism of the recently formed broad-based government, which his own ODM party is part of.
Wandayi has publicly labeled Orengo an “enemy of progress,” while Senator Oburu Oginga has also accused the governor of undermining the party’s collective agenda.
The political heat intensified in April when Orengo, speaking in front of ODM leader Raila Odinga and President William Ruto, declared that he would not be silenced for holding independent views.
“I cannot be a praise-singer. We fought for a democratic Constitution where people should speak freely. I urge Kenyans to tell their leaders the truth. This country will go to the dogs again if the kind of language we hear continues,” Orengo stated.
“If anything is brought to Siaya County, it will be as a matter of right, not as a favour.”
