By Lameck Baraza
Siaya Governor James Orengo has dismissed the formation of a broad-based government, insisting that he is not ready to enter into deals that lack substance.
Orengo expressed regret over the current state of the country, where popular presidential candidates fail to win elections and are later forced into meaningless political arrangements.
Speaking in Siaya on Wednesday during the launch of two maternity wards in Sigomere and Boro, Orengo emphasized that the struggle to liberate the country is ongoing.
"I'm calling upon Gen Z to rise up and fight for their rights, now that the government is ignoring the very people who put them in power and instead pursuing their own agenda," Orengo stated.
The governor declared his readiness to join Gen Z in advocating for good governance, even on the streets, as he believes it is their right to demand accountability.
He condemned the government's inaction in addressing incidents of violence, such as the killing of Kipsigis in Narok over land disputes, attributing it to a lack of clear leadership.
Orengo urged citizens to exercise their democratic rights and fight for what belongs to them, vowing not to let the country return to the dark days.
He warned those in government who criticize him now that they will soon realize the consequences of their actions when things take a turn for the worse.
The county boss also questioned the government's focus on broad-based and tribal formations ahead of the 2027 elections. He stressed that independent institutions like the judiciary and IEBC are crucial for streamlining governance.
Orengo expressed concerns about the ongoing IEBC exercise, hinting that if the panel fails to uphold its code of ethics, the 2027 elections could be the most flawed in the country's history.
"The only free and fair elections in Kenya were in 2002; the rest have been manipulated to favor unpopular candidates. If we are not careful, even the 2027 elections will not be free and fair," he warned.
Additionally, Orengo criticized the national government for undermining devolution by delaying funds, which he sees as an attempt to frustrate counties' development efforts.
He lamented that when leaders challenge the government on such issues, they are accused of opposing the president.
Orengo questioned the government's empty promises and criticized leaders who lack moral authority for pointing fingers at him when he raises concerns about project implementation.