Orengo ready to work with Ruto but wants politics out of development

Siaya Senator James Orengo. [Isaiah Gwengi, Standard]

Siaya Governor James Orengo has said he is ready to work with President William Ruto's administration, but with conditions.

Orengo said despite being in Azimio, he will warm up to the President if he tours Siaya, but insisted he will only embrace the president's move if he avoids politicising development.

"The president is free to come to Siaya at any time, and if he comes for development then I will receive him because county and national government are interdependent and should cooperate," he said.

President William Ruto. [Kelly Ayodi, Standardmedia.co.ke]

Orengo, who is a close ally of ODM party leader Raila Odinga, said majority of Siaya people will still seek political direction from him.

Speaking on Thursday during the World Aids Day celebrations in Bondo sub-county, Orengo said he was ready to work with the government, but not in submission.

"Declaring to work with the government of the day is not news and those purporting to support the government in order to get development projects should understand what the Constitution says," said the county boss.