Several members of Siaya Governor James Orengo’s staff were allegedly arrested by police ahead of President William Ruto’s visit to the county.
In a statement on Saturday, March 7, Governor Orengo condemned the arrests, describing them as unlawful and demanding the immediate release of his detained staff members.
He criticized the police action as inappropriate and outside the bounds of a constitutional democracy, calling for swift resolution.
Tension in Siaya as Orengo Staff Allegedly Arrested Ahead of Presidential Visit. Photo: Courtesy.
“This evening, several members of my staff have been arbitrarily arrested and detained in Siaya and Nairobi in connection with the Presidential visit to Siaya tomorrow. This egregious conduct on the part of the police has no place in a constitutional democracy. I demand their immediate release,” Orengo noted.
President William Ruto is scheduled to visit Siaya on Sunday to attend a thanksgiving ceremony for Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga at Okela Primary School in Uyoma.
PS Oluga confirmed on Saturday that the Head of State will serve as the chief guest for the event.
The arrest of Governor James Orengo’s staff comes amid rising tensions within the ODM party, which has recently split into two factions.
The county boss belongs to the Linda Mwananchi faction, which opposes President Ruto’s re-election in the 2027 General Election.
The faction also opposes Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga taking over the leadership of ODM following the death of his brother, Raila Odinga.
On March 1, Governor Orengo reiterated his doubts about Oburu’s capacity to lead the party effectively.
He argued that ODM requires a strong leader who has actively participated in Kenya’s liberation struggle, like the late Raila Odinga, and noted that Oburu did not inherit the political skills of their father, the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, which helped Raila rise to prominence.
