Siaya Governor James Orengo has alleged that several members of his staff were arbitrarily arrested ahead of President William Ruto’s scheduled visit to the county on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
In a statement released on Saturday evening, Governor Orengo said:
“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.”
Context
The arrests come amid heightened political tensions in Siaya County and within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which has informally split into two factions: Linda Ground and Linda Mwananchi.
Governor Orengo is a prominent figure in the Linda Mwananchi faction, which includes Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.
The faction rejected a Special Delegates Convention (SDC) scheduled for March 27, citing that it was unlawfully convened and excluded the election of new leaders.
Orengo has been critical of ODM leader Oburu Odinga, questioning his legitimacy and leadership credentials within the party.
Political Implications
ODM has engaged in pre-election coalition talks with UDA, President Ruto’s party, ahead of the 2027 elections.
Orengo describes this potential coalition as a betrayal of ODM’s founding principles, warning that it could reduce the party to a “village party.”
The arrests of his aides are seen in the context of these ongoing internal disputes, although official reasons for the detentions have not been provided by authorities.
Upcoming Event
President Ruto was scheduled to attend a thanksgiving ceremony for Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga at Okela Primary School in Uyoma, a high-profile event that has drawn political scrutiny in the county.
Governor Orengo has called for the immediate release of his staff and reaffirmed his commitment to upholding democratic principles despite political pressures and ongoing party disputes.
Tags
Politics