I cannot let Kenyans down, says Governor Orengo

Siaya Governor James Orengo during the launch of foundation stone-laying at Bar Ndege Health Centre and Urenga Sub-County Hospital./PHOTO: COURTESY

Siaya Governor James Orengo has vowed to continue pointing out threats to the country’s democracy, adding that no amount of intimidation will silence him.

Orengo says that for the country to thrive as a democracy, Kenyans must be ready to call out those who threaten to muzzle the key institutions.

He was speaking at Bar Ndege and Urenga health centres in Ugenya constituency, while launching the construction of infrastructure in the facilities on Saturday.

The governor said that Kenyans must not allow leaders to become demi-gods who cannot be criticised.

“We must have leadership that believes in the rule of law, constitutionality and the truth,” said Orengo,

"I cannot let Kenyans or my country down by not speaking the truth."

The governor lamented that indiscipline amongst those in authority has, over the year,s seen the electoral process interfered with, and some of those elected popularly fail to ascend to leadership due to manipulation of the results.

He said that all that the country needs was respect for the law, as we have one of the best constitutions in the world.

“We do not have to change the constitution again to ensure fairness. We only need to stop electoral fraud,” added Orengo.

Orengo and his Kisumu counterpart, Anyang Nyong’o, have come under fire from some members of the Orange party over their remarks on the broad-based government.

The two leaders have been hitting out at a section of ODM leaders, accusing them of being tone-deaf to the needs of Kenyans after the party entered into a pact with Kenya Kwanza.

The two have found themselves on the receiving end for challenging the political bromance between Raila and Ruto.

During a funeral service in Siaya on April 12, Governor Orengo declared that he would not join what he termed the “praise-singing bandwagon” for the current administration.

“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.

"If anything is brought to Siaya County, it will be as a matter of right, not as a favour,” Orengo said.

“There is a need to fight for your rights if we are to have a better country.”

Governor Nyong’o, who was leading ODM during Raila’s campaign for the African Union Commission chairmanship, recently claimed devolution was being undermined.