Gov. Orengo Declares Presidential Bid During Return Visit to Homa Bay

Siaya Governor James Orengo has formally declared his intention to run for president in the 2027 General Election, making the announcement during a visit to Homa Bay County alongside Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.

The two leaders returned to the county just days after deadly clashes disrupted Linda Mwananchi rallies on August 16.

Orengo and Owino joined mourners in Oyugis on Friday, August 28, for the burial of KDF officer Steven Onyango, son of former Kasipul MP aspirant Newton Ogada. It was during this visit that Orengo publicly stated he would challenge President William Ruto at the ballot, positioning himself as the preferred candidate for the Luo community.

The governor made a direct appeal to Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang, urging him to support the bid.

“I am here, Senator Kajwang. I am here. And you are my son, and you are my friend. So from today, know that I am the presidential candidate — a serious presidential candidate,” Orengo said.

He argued that the Luo community has historically been at the forefront of Kenya’s democratic struggles, citing leaders such as Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Tom Mboya, Argwings Kodhek, and Raila Odinga.

“The Luo nation has long been the beating heart of Kenya’s democratic struggle, paying the ultimate price in the pursuit of justice and good governance,” he said. “Following in their footsteps, I offer my unyielding commitment to this legacy, refusing compromise and striving to fulfill the vision of our forefathers as we rise to the top.”

Orengo’s declaration has unsettled some supporters of the Linda Mwananchi movement, who had been rallying behind Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as a potential presidential contender. The announcement also comes after ODM stated it would not field a presidential candidate in 2027 and would instead support President Ruto’s re election under a broad based arrangement.

Former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, the deputy party leader of the Democratic Change Party (DCP), openly challenged Orengo and Owino, pointing to what he termed internal contradictions within the movement. Malala argued that both leaders appeared to be staking individual claims to the leadership of the party they intend to form.

Senator Kajwang, who has declared support for Ruto’s re election, responded by emphasizing political tolerance.

“I may not agree with you, but I will defend to death your right to say it,” he said. “We may have differences politically, but I will defend your right to state your case and sell your agenda.”

Kajwang also urged residents to reflect on the root causes of political divisions within the Luo community, asking: “What is it that Luos are fighting for? What is making Luos fight and kill each other?”

Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju was among other leaders who attended the burial ceremony.

Orengo reiterated that he would remain politically active in Homa Bay and Migori, saying he intends to build support for his presidential bid while backing former deputy governor Oyugi Magwanga in his challenge against Governor Gladys Wanga in 2027.