Ruto blasts opposition over Tuju saga, signals truce with Orengo in Siaya

President William Ruto has escalated his attacks on the opposition, accusing its leaders of exploiting former Cabinet minister Raphael Tuju’s recent troubles for political mileage.

Speaking in Bondo on Tuesday during the groundbreaking of the Sh1 billion Usenge Pier project, Ruto said Tuju needed “honest friends” rather than what he termed as “scavengers”.

“Tuju needs honest friends and advisers. They told him to go and hide in his bedroom and lie that he had been abducted. They are seeking prominence from Tuju,” Ruto said.

“We want Tuju to be advised so that he can secure his property and move forward. He does not need those people,” he added.

The opposition has in recent days rallied behind Tuju following his alleged disappearance and an arrest drama at his Karen police station that played out between Sunday and Tuesday.

Ruto’s latest remarks add to a growing pattern of sharp verbal attacks directed at his critics, an escalation that has drawn concern from religious leaders.

They have termed the remarks as unpresidential. The President, however, has declared he will not tone down.

Despite the political onslaught, Ruto struck a conciliatory tone toward Siaya Governor James Orengo, signalling a possible thaw in relations.

Addressing residents in Orengo’s political backyard, the President said the two leaders had agreed to prioritise service delivery over political rivalry.

“We have agreed with Governor James Orengo to work for Kenyans. ‘Wantam’ and ‘tutam’ will be decided by Kenyans. You are the ones to decide, but for now, let us work for Kenyans,” Ruto said.

In response, Orengo welcomed the President to Siaya while maintaining his political independence.

“President Ruto, we welcome you to Siaya. As Kenya’s President, you are welcome to Siaya county. Come back again and again. I have my own politics and I request that you continue coming to Siaya,” Orengo said.

He noted that the Usenge Pier project would boost the county’s blue economy and improve water transport across Lake Victoria and neighbouring regions.

The development comes amid intensifying political realignments within the opposition, particularly in ODM.

Orengo has aligned himself with the “Linda Mwananchi” faction, which opposes the broad-based  arrangement and is pushing a “one-term” narrative against Ruto ahead of the 2027 elections.

However, Orengo urged restraint within the party, calling for respect for established leadership structures.

“I recognise Sifuna as the ODM party secretary general and Godfrey Osotsi as the deputy party leader. That is the reality in law,” he said.

He warned that attempts to undermine the party’s chain of command risk weakening ODM and confusing its supporters.

The remarks come against the backdrop of internal tensions within the party following the broad-based government agreement with Kenya Kwanza, a move that has divided members.

Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga criticised Orengo for opposing the broad-based arrangement, urging dissenting voices to either support the decision or exit the party.

“When my governor stands up and says he is annoyed, I don’t know with whom, and claims he just wants to speak the truth, I ask myself: what truth?” Oburu asked.

He said the 10-point agreement signed between ODM and Kenya Kwanza was reached after extensive consultations within the party, saying no member had the right to criticise it.

“Those who think this broad-based government is wrong are vomiting on us from within. Why don’t they step outside and vomit there?” Oburu said.

The charged political atmosphere was evident during the event, where Orengo was briefly heckled by sections of the crowd as he addressed the gathering, forcing him cut short his speech moments after welcoming the President.

Ruto proceeded with the event, focusing on the development agenda anchored on the Usenge Pier project, even as political tensions played out in the background.