Orengo: If Mt Kenya Had Listened to Uhuru, Kenya Wouldn’t Be in This Mess

Siaya Governor James Orengo

Siaya Governor James Orengo has claimed that Kenya would not be facing its current challenges if the Mount Kenya region had heeded former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s political advice.

Speaking during the burial of former Kirinyaga Senator Daniel Karaba on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, Orengo said the region ignored Uhuru’s calls to support Raila Odinga in the 2022 General Election, opting instead to back his then deputy, William Ruto.

He argued that backing Raila Odinga, alongside Martha Karua as his running mate, would have worked in Mount Kenya’s favour, describing it as a missed opportunity for the region.

According to Orengo, Raila’s death in 2025 would have paved the way for Karua—whom he described as “their daughter”—to ascend to the presidency, making it a win-win outcome for the region.

“Mnajua nyinyi watu wa mlima mngesikia Uhuru wakati ule hatungekuwa na hii taabu,” Orengo said.

The governor also took issue with the state of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which is currently split into two factions—Linda Mwananchi and Linda Ground.

In a light moment that drew laughter from Uhuru Kenyatta, Orengo claimed that individuals behind the division were introduced into the party during Uhuru’s tenure, urging the retired president to “smoke them out.”

He further noted that Raila Odinga had cautioned party members against chants linked to President Ruto’s re-election, but accused some members—whom he termed “wafanyabiashara”—of ignoring that advice.

Orengo predicted political setbacks for such leaders, asserting that a significant portion of the country supports the “Wantam” movement and is opposed to President Ruto’s leadership.

At the same time, he accused President Ruto of attempting to take control of ODM, likening it to what he described as previous efforts to influence the Jubilee Party. However, he maintained that the Linda Mwananchi faction would resist such attempts.

Orengo also urged residents of Kirinyaga and Kenyans at large to remain politically active in the period leading up to the next General Election.

Meanwhile, Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, who also attended the funeral, noted that the event marked a rare moment where Uhuru Kenyatta and leaders allied to the opposition appeared together.

He added that it was unusual to see former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua seated close to Uhuru, highlighting the significance of the gathering.