Orengo: Raila not scared of emerging alliances ahead of 2022 election

Senate Minority Leader James Orengo addresses a past function. He has accused Migori Governor Okoth Obado of trying to divide the Luo community. [File, Standard]

Siaya Senator James Orengo says ODM leader Raila Odinga was the best suited to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta in next year's polls.

Speaking in Migori on Friday, April 30, Orengo said if Raila runs in the 2022 General Election, he will not have a "worthy" competitor for the top seat.

He accused some top NASA leaders of abandoning Raila during his oath-taking ceremony at Uhuru Park as people's president after the 2017 polls.

"Those forming other coalitions should tell us where they were when Raila was taking the oath as people’s president," said Orengo.

The Senate Minority Leader said the alliances being formed ahead of 2022 polls, do not scare Raila and will not derail his State House race should he opt to run.

He said President Kenyatta should work closely with the former Prime Minister to chart his succession’s politics.

The senator spoke during the burial of the late Nyatike Luo Council of Elders chair Tobias Oloo at Got Kachola village.

Divisive leaders

In an attack directed at Migori Governor Okoth Obado, Orengo said those defecting from ODM to join or form other parties were wasting their time.

Orengo said Obado and his ilk had no agenda for the community and were only interested in dividing for their selfish interests.

"Anyone forming his own party in Nyanza is someone who is trying to divide the Luo nation and has no meaningful agenda for the people," he said.

Governor Obado recently announced he had ditched ODM and re-joined the People's Democratic Party which he used in 2013 to secure the gubernatorial seat.

According to Orengo, the governor's move is to divide Migori which is considered as an ODM stronghold.

On the Building Bridges Initiative, Orengo insisted Migori, Homa Bay, Kisii and Busia counties deserved to be given additional constituencies as per the 'original' BBI report.

Also in attendance was Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo and his Nyakach counterpart Aduma Owuor who also commended the key role Luo elders play in the community issues.