President William Ruto has sent a pointed yet conciliatory message to Siaya Governor James Orengo following a high-profile and politically charged meeting with Members of the Siaya County Assembly (MCAs) at the Eldoret State Lodge.
The talks, held on January 10, 2026, immediately sparked intense speculation across Siaya and beyond, coming against the backdrop of a long-running and very public political fallout between the Head of State and the outspoken Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) governor.
A record 41 of the county’s 42 MCAs, led by Speaker George Okode, attended the meeting — a turnout that raised eyebrows in political circles. Notably absent were Governor Orengo, his deputy William Oduol, and Siaya MPs, further fuelling claims that the meeting carried deeper political implications.
Shortly after the closed-door talks, President Ruto took to social media to describe the engagement as “productive”, insisting discussions focused on development rather than politics.
“Met Siaya County Assembly Members, led by Speaker George Okode, at Eldoret State Lodge in Uasin Gishu County. We agreed on the need to accelerate projects that are underway and fast-track planned initiatives to ensure development delivers real impact for the people,” President Ruto said.
However, multiple MCAs who attended the four-hour meeting — which stretched into a working lunch — say politics was never far from the table.
According to several lawmakers present, President Ruto directly addressed the strained relationship with Governor Orengo, instructing the delegation to carry a personal message back to the Siaya boss.
“The President said he respects Governor Orengo and that is why he asked us to tell him to look for him if there is any issue,” Speaker Okode revealed.
The President reportedly urged Orengo to engage him privately rather than continue criticising his administration through public forums.
“He told us that they have come a long way and that Orengo should talk to him directly instead of attacking him in rallies and the media,” said David Ragen, the Central Alego MCA.
While extending an olive branch, President Ruto also delivered a sharp rebuke, accusing former President Uhuru Kenyatta of influencing hostile rhetoric from sections of ODM leadership.
“The President told us to tell Governor Orengo not to be swayed by Uhuru Kenyatta’s money and antics,” Mr Ragen added.
The unusual nature of the meeting quickly triggered online claims that Governor Orengo’s impeachment was being plotted. However, MCAs were categorical that no such discussions took place.
“There was absolutely no talk of impeachment. Orengo cannot be impeached — no one can attempt it,” said Susan Nyamawira, MCA for West Gem.
Speaker Okode dismissed the allegations as politically motivated speculation.
“If there was any impeachment plan, it would be foolish for anyone to discuss it openly and even take photos. That narrative is false,” he said.
The MCAs also disclosed that they resisted attempts to involve MPs in the Eldoret meeting, insisting on meeting the President alone. The MPs were later hosted separately at Dr Ruto’s private residence in Kilgoris.
Beyond county development, the President reportedly used the meeting to defend the broad-based government arrangement, detailing his political history with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
“He told us he reached out to Raila Odinga immediately after the elections and that the broad-based deal was later sealed in Dubai to address historical injustices against Nyanza,” Mr Ragen said.
President Ruto was also quoted criticising the United Opposition, insisting it offers no viable alternative for the region or the country, while downplaying former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as a political threat.
“He told us Gachagua cannot beat him even in Mount Kenya,” one MCA disclosed.
In a striking pledge, Dr Ruto told the delegation he wants to see the Luo community eventually produce a president.
“He promised that by the time he leaves office, he will have placed the Luo nation on the path to the presidency,” Mr Ragen added.
