Siaya Governor James Orengo has dismissed claims that he called for protests against President William Ruto’s administration, insisting his comments were misinterpreted. Speaking during an interview with Ramogi TV on Wednesday, November 19, Orengo emphasized that he was merely issuing a warning to the government, not inciting Kenyans to take to the streets.
Orengo clarified that his remarks were meant to highlight citizens’ right to protest if the government fails to fulfill its mandate. “Some people think that when I said we can go to protests, it meant I could personally take to the streets, and even Babu Owino said something similar,” he said. He added that protests should be organised and peaceful rather than impulsive.
The governor questioned why he has faced criticism for his comments, while other ODM party politicians, including Embakasi MP Babu Owino, made similar remarks during the same event. “I did not mean we would just go. I meant that if issues are not being addressed properly, the streets are open, and we can protest in an organised way,” Orengo explained.
His clarification comes just days after he threatened nationwide demonstrations during ODM’s 20th Anniversary celebrations in Mombasa County on November 14. At the event, Orengo had stated, “If ODM is strong and stands on the basis that Raila wanted a free country, we must fight everywhere. If you are afraid, do not sell us fear. We are prepared to go back to the streets. I, as James Orengo, am prepared to go back to the streets.”
Similar sentiments were voiced by Babu Owino, who threatened rallies over the rising cost of living.
However, these remarks have drawn mixed reactions from Kenyans and government officials, with Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi expressing concern that calls for protests could reignite political divisions and distract the ODM party from its objectives.
Orengo’s latest statement aims to clarify his position, stressing that the emphasis is on citizens’ rights and peaceful, organised demonstrations, not personal or partisan agitation.
