Orengo Hits Out at Ruto’s Government Over Alleged Plot to Rig 2027 Polls: “I Am Ready to Go Back to Jail”
Siaya Governor James Orengo has accused President William Ruto’s administration of laying the groundwork to rig the 2027 general elections. He warned that unless action is taken, Kenya could witness yet another deeply flawed electoral process.
Speaking in Siaya County on Wednesday, April 30, during the launch of the Boro Maternity Facility in Central Alego, Orengo made strong allegations about interference in the operations of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). He argued that the commission’s independence is under threat from powerful political forces.
“The last time Kenya had a truly free and fair election was in 2002,” Orengo said. “If we are not careful, this upcoming election will be no different from the others that were manipulated.”
He questioned the transparency of the ongoing IEBC restructuring process. According to him, the changes being proposed could produce a commission biased toward the interests of the ruling party.
“I am watching how the IEBC is being reshaped,” he remarked. “If the new members are not given freedom to operate independently, we are heading into a dangerous future. Kenya will not have a fair election.”
Orengo’s statements come at a time when political temperatures are rising over perceived threats to democratic institutions. He argued that electoral justice has remained elusive for many years due to systematic rigging and state interference.
Referencing past elections, he noted that even opposition leader Raila Odinga, despite having mass public support, was denied victory.
“Raila has never lost fairly,” Orengo asserted. “He has been forced into strange agreements in the name of political unity. But these deals only serve to hide the truth—that our elections are rigged.”
Orengo took a bold stance, declaring that he is ready to make personal sacrifices to stop what he sees as an erosion of Kenya’s democracy.
“I am prepared to go back to jail. I am ready to return to the streets,” he declared. “If defending the Constitution and the rights of Kenyans means I have to pay that price, so be it.”
He reminded the public of his long history in the fight for justice and democratic reforms. Having once faced imprisonment during past political struggles, Orengo said he would not hesitate to do it again if the situation demands it.
The Siaya Governor also accused Ruto’s government of trying to control the judiciary. He warned that the independence of the Supreme Court is being undermined through quiet, targeted efforts to influence judicial decisions.
“The courts should be a shield for the people, not a tool for politicians,” he said. “But what we’re seeing is a worrying trend—an attempt to silence the judiciary.”
Orengo’s criticisms extend beyond elections and courts. He sees a broader issue of governance and leadership under the current administration. In his view, the country is moving away from constitutional principles, and urgent resistance is needed.
“This is not a government of the people,” he said. “If we allow our rights to be stolen quietly, we will wake up one day in a nation that no longer belongs to us.”
Although a close ally of Raila Odinga and a top member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Orengo has taken a firm stand against the recent political understanding between Raila and Ruto. He believes such agreements, though presented as peaceful solutions, only mask deeper issues.
Interestingly, Raila defended Orengo a few days earlier. Speaking on April 25 in Kakwajwok village, Kendu Bay, Raila clarified that his arrangement with Ruto is limited to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and does not silence criticism from within the opposition.
“Orengo has not done anything wrong,” Raila stated. “He is only speaking the truth. Our agreement with the government doesn’t mean we stop holding it accountable.”
This defense highlights growing tensions inside the opposition camp. While some leaders prefer engagement, others like Orengo believe confrontation is necessary to protect democratic values.
Orengo’s fiery speech has reignited debate over electoral integrity and the future of Kenya’s political system. His readiness to return to activism, even if it means imprisonment, sends a strong message to both allies and opponents.
“Our Constitution gives us the right to protest and demand accountability,” Orengo said. “I will never stand by and watch this country fall into the hands of leaders who disrespect those rights.”
He ended his address with a passionate plea to the Kenyan people:
“Wake up. This country is slipping through our fingers. Let us fight for a Kenya we can be proud of, a Kenya where the will of the people is respected.”
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Orengo Hits Out at Ruto’s Government Over Alleged Plot to Rig 2027 Polls: “I Am Ready to Go Back to Jail”
