Siaya Governor James Orengo has moved to clear the air over claims that he is encouraging nationwide protests, saying his remarks at the ODM anniversary event were misunderstood.
He explained that his message was not a call for people to take to the streets but a warning to the government about the importance of addressing national issues.
During an interview with Ramogi TV on Wednesday, November 19, Orengo stressed that he did not urge anyone to protest.
According to him, his words were taken out of context and interpreted as an attempt to mobilise demonstrations. He said his intention was simply to remind the government that Kenyans have a constitutional right to protest if leaders fail to fulfil their responsibilities.
Orengo questioned why he had become the main target of criticism, noting that other leaders at the event made similar remarks.
He pointed out that ODM legislator Babu Owino also spoke about the possibility of protests, yet the backlash seemed to be directed at him alone.
Orengo insisted that his statement did not mean he would personally take to the streets immediately, but rather that protests remain an option if genuine concerns raised by citizens are ignored.
His comments came only a few days after he appeared to threaten leading demonstrations against President William Ruto’s administration during the ODM 20th Anniversary in Mombasa.
At the event on Friday, November 14, he said Kenyans were ready to return to the streets if circumstances demanded it, emphasising that the fight for accountability and justice has always been central to ODM’s history.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino supported this line of thought at the same event, adding that the rising cost of living could push Kenyans to demand action from the government.
Their remarks, however, have created mixed reactions across the political scene.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has expressed concern that renewed calls for protests could weaken ODM’s progress and reopen old political wounds linked to past demonstrations.
He warned that repeated mentions of taking to the streets risk shifting focus from constructive political engagement and slowing the party’s growth.
Orengo maintains that his message has been misinterpreted and insists that his focus remains on ensuring the government addresses the issues affecting Kenyans.
