By Bonface Mulyungi
Siaya Governor James Orengo has responded to mounting criticism over remarks he allegedly made about Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, saying the comments should be viewed within the wider context of Kenya’s political discourse.
Speaking to journalists in Siaya on Tuesday amid growing backlash and calls for impeachment, Orengo defended his position and urged critics to reflect on past political exchanges involving senior leaders.
“I think those comments should remain where they are, and you look back to what other people have said,” Orengo said.
Members of the Kisumu County Assembly have called on the Council of Governors to intervene and compel Orengo to publicly apologise over remarks directed at Gladys Wanga, terming them offensive, unconstitutional and demeaning to women leaders.
Led by Kisumu County Assembly Deputy Speaker Nereah Okombo, the MCAs said the remarks violated constitutional provisions on leadership and integrity and risked undermining women’s participation in politics.
“Under the Constitution and the County Governments Act, governors are bound by Chapter Six on leadership and integrity. When the conduct of one governor brings the office of the governor and devolution into disrepute, the Council of Governors has a duty to intervene and enforce standards,” she said.
Okombo argued that the sentiments attributed to Orengo contravened Article 73 of the Constitution, which states that authority assigned to a state officer is a public trust to be exercised in a manner that demonstrates respect for the people, brings honour and dignity to the office and promotes confidence in the integrity of the office.
Orengo went on to reference a past incident in which a senior politician repeatedly made remarks about former ODM leader Raila Odinga that he described as derogatory.
“The only thing that I need to say is the time when a very senior politician used to talk about Honorable Raila Odinga persistently, saying that he is uncircumcised, he is not a real man,” Orengo said.
According to Orengo, Raila Odinga at the time dismissed the remarks instead of escalating the matter politically.
He paraphrased Raila’s response, saying, “What is this with this man on what belongs to me?” suggesting the ODM leader downplayed the controversy.
Orengo said the current criticism directed at him should, therefore, not be viewed selectively.
“The only thing that I need to say is take the question from the person back to where it came from,” he said.
The remarks come amid rising political tension within ODM following criticism from a section of leaders in Kisumu County who accused Orengo of disrespecting Wanga and demanded that he apologise.
The controversy has since triggered wider debate within the party, with some leaders calling for restraint and unity as internal disagreements continue to emerge publicly.
