By OMOLO PAKISTAN: A section of Siaya County residents today took to the streets in defense of Governor James Orengo, who has come under heavy fire from a section of women leaders over controversial remarks he made over the weekend that allegedly demeaned Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga.

The demonstrators took Ugunja and Siaya towns by storm, castigating those who have been hurling insults at Orengo.

Protesters maintained that the Siaya governor remains the only regional politician who has consistently stood firm with the ordinary mwananchi.

The local political spat has quickly escalated into an administrative crisis, with activists raising the alarm over state security measures being pulled into the fray.

Speaking to the media in Ugunja town, human rights defender Fredrick Odhiambo Ojiro argued that internal friction within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) should not be used by security agents to apply the law selectively.

Ojiro called it deeply regrettable that police authorities have reportedly used the ongoing political spat as a pretext to withdraw Governor Orengo’s security detail.

“If Governor Wanga is accusing Orengo of abusing her, the public and the world are also aware that Wanga and her team have been abusing Orengo publicly,” Ojiro stated.

He demanded the immediate reinstatement of the governor’s security detail, warning that should anything happen to Orengo, “the country will not be the same.”

Local leaders also turned their guns on regional politicians whom they accused of fueling the hostility. Ugenya women leader Caren Atieno Ayika cautioned residents against being compromised to disrespect a veteran leader.

“People must appreciate the good things that he has done, including fighting for the constitution and the human rights that we are enjoying currently,” Ayika said.

Her sentiments were echoed by Rose Odera, who led a contingent of women in Siaya town.

Odera demanded that the Homa Bay governor stop allegedly funding political rejects to hurl abuse at Governor Orengo.

Meanwhile, youth leaders Joram Nyanga and Sam Pesa took sharp aim at a section of Siaya Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) who have threatened to initiate impeachment proceedings against Orengo.

They warned that lawmakers would face the wrath of the electorate at the ballot box if they continued to be misused by selfish individuals.

“You cannot impeach the governor for simply saying that he is not going to lower his pants. That is not reason enough,” Nyanga argued.

“We need to organize a training session so that our MCAs can know their duties and responsibilities.”