SIAYA: With exactly two years to the next general election in Kenya (August 2027), the political stage in Siaya County is already heating up.
The coveted gubernatorial seat is poised for a significant battle, pitting two prominent sons of Masiro, East Ugenya, against each other: James Orengo, the sitting governor seeking a second term, and David Ochieng (Ugenya MP), who will be making his gubernatorial debut.
Ochieng, currently serving his third term as a lawmaker, is already rolling up his sleeves for this high-stakes political duel.
Records, Resources, and Regional Reach
The campaign will undoubtedly hinge on the development records of both individuals. Ochieng will be banking on his achievements as a legislator since 2013, highlighting the various institutions and kilometers of roads he’s brought to the Ugenya electorate.
Governor Orengo, on the other hand, will seek a renewed mandate by showcasing the mega-projects initiated during his first term, such as the Siaya Stadium and the Siriwo Rice Mill.
While both leaders hail from the same backyard in Ugenya, the real battle for Siaya will extend beyond their home turf, shifting to other crucial constituencies like Ugunja, Gem, Alego Usonga, Rarieda, and Bondo.
This political war also requires substantial financial muscle, a reality Ochieng appears to understand well as the 2027 polls draw closer.
Ochieng’s Bold Financial Play
Ochieng recently demonstrated his financial might, reportedly reimbursing KSh 2,000 to all attendees of one of his rallies earlier this week.
This move, which left locals “singing his name,” has evidently caused “shivers” in Governor Orengo’s camp, with anecdotal reports suggesting a shifting of allegiance among some electorates.
“I was surprised. Imagine everyone got KSh 2,000 for attending the rally,” remarked a boda boda operator who attended a rally organized in Boro, Alego Usonga.
Ochieng, who began his gubernatorial bid last month by declaring his intention to unseat his “village mate,” has been vocal in his criticism of the current governor.
While attending a funds drive at a church in East Ugenya, the lawmaker openly criticized Orengo for allegedly failing on promises made to the people of Ugenya.
“Many people are asking why I am too hard on Governor Orengo. I will not give him peace until such a time when he will deliver on what he promised the people of Ugenya,” Ochieng stated.
He specifically ridiculed the governor’s launch of a maternity complex in Urenga, dismissing it as a mere “show-off” without any tangible work progressing.
“All of you saw him carry an entire battalion of MCAs and county officials to allegedly launch some project in Uranga. Has anyone seen any work going on there a month after the supposed ground breaking? This is a total joke,” he ranted.
Ochieng further accused Orengo of failing to meet his commitment to inject KSh 50 million into the construction of Uranga Level Four Hospital.
“The president promised to complete the first phase of the project in ten months; we are seeing the work is almost complete. The governor promised to inject KSh 50 million into the project, nothing has been done. It is annoying,” he thundered.
Orengo’s Camp Fights Back
In response to Ochieng’s escalating attacks, Governor Orengo’s “battalion” addressed the media last week at Nebrasca in Ugunja, calling on Ochieng to cease his offensive.
“Orengo is not your political match. Stay on your lane, serve your term as a lawmaker and allow Orengo to also serve his term as the county governor,” said George Okech, ODM Organising Secretary for Ugenya constituency.
