Siaya governor race is emerging as a high-stakes political contest shaped by the raging power struggle between ODM leader Oburu Oginga and Governor James Orengo.
Governor Orengo has declared himself ODM de facto party leader in post-Raila Odinga succession battle, placing him in the political battle ring with Dr Oburu, who has inherited his brother’s shoes.
Beneath that Raila succession war lies a more vicious power play on who becomes Siaya governor in 2027. Mr Orengo is serving his first term, therefore, has a chance to seek a second term. He is, however, already toying with the idea of running for the presidency in a scenario that leaves the Siaya governorship up for grabs.
Dr Oginga, as Siaya Senator and his allies led by Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi have already vowed to teach Governor Orengo a lesson at the ballot should he opt to defend his seat. Mr Wandayi said that while he has no intention to run for governor, he will ensure Mr Orengo is not re-elected.
Azimio la Umoja One Kenya leader Raila Odinga (left) and National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi during a rally in Siaya on July 3. Mr Odinga’s elder brother Oburu Oginga recently suggested that Mr Wandayi should succeed the Azimio leader as the Nyanza political kingpin.
Photo credit: Ondari Ogega | Nation Mediaa Group
He described Mr Orengo as a perennial beneficiary of a direct ticket. He dared the county boss to offer himself for ODM nomination if he is still interested in running for the governor seat.
The CS claimed that were it not for him dropping his bid for governor in 2022, Mr Orengo would have not become Siaya county boss. Mr Wandayi dropped from the 2022 governor race following an intervention by Mr Odinga. Mr Orengo was subsequently handed a direct ticket.
“I am not running for governor, but I will ensure Orengo goes home. He is used to direct nomination, which he will not get this time,” said Mr Wandayi.
“I know he has realised he made a wrong gamble by falling out with the party. He should admit to his mistake and rejoin ODM. But he has to be ready for competitive nomination,” added the CS.
Those who have declared interest for the governor's seat include Siaya Deputy Governor William Oduol, Movement for Democracy and Growth (MDG) party leader and Ugenya MP David Ochieng’ and former Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo.
Siaya Speaker George Okode and former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju have also been mentioned as possible candidates for the county boss seat. Mr Orengo, who hails from Ugenya, has fallen out of favour with the ODM party and is on record saying he will be vying for the presidency in 2027.
Last weekend, Dr Odinga openly asked Mr Ochieng to fold his party and join ODM for his governor quest. The Siaya senator told Mr Ochieng’ that joining ODM would secure his chances of succeeding Mr Orengo as the county’s third governor.
“I want to ask David Ochieng to come and join ODM. We will receive him with two hands and ensure he becomes the governor of Siaya,” said Dr Oginga.
“I do not know what is so sweet in MDG that Ochieng cannot leave it for ODM to be the governor of Siaya,” he added.
Mr Ochieng has, however, rejected the offer. The Ugenya lawmaker likened rejoining ODM to a son who abandons his homestead to go back to stay with his father. He said such a move is even a taboo in the Luo culture.
“Once you build your home, you don’t go back to your father’s homestead. That is like killing me politically,” said Mr Ochieng.
He said ODM should be ready for competition so that the voters can exercise their democratic rights. He said his MDG will not only field a governor candidate in Siaya, but in all the four counties of Luo Nyanza.
Ugenya MP David Ochieng'.
He said candidates should be allowed to compete in terms of policies, and not about political parties they run on.
“I would want to see candidates compete on policies. As MDG, we will be running candidates in all the Nyanza counties and beyond,” he told the Nation.
Mr Gumbo in a recent interview described Mr Orengo’s national political maneuvers as ‘shenanigans’ and a ‘smokescreen’ meant to conceal what he termed as poor leadership in the county over the past few years.
“Orengo has decided to become a nuisance in the hope that he can be called to the negotiation table with either the President or the opposition. People of Siaya should see him for who he is and understand that he cannot provide leadership at the national level,” said Mr Gumbo.
Mr Gumbo, however, said the unfolding political situation presents an opportunity for Siaya voters to elect a better leader, insisting that his experience and development track record give him an edge.
“What I know is that I work harder than my competitors, I love Siaya more, and the people believe in my programs. The missing link has always been the choice of party, and that has now been fixed since I am now firmly in ODM.”
While Orengo is yet to declare whether he will carry the Linda Mwananchi presidential flag or seek re-election in Siaya, there are already reports that he could be quietly planning his succession in the county.
Governor Orengo is allied to the embattled ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi camp, which is opposed to the ODM-UDA 2027 political pact.
Siaya Governor James Orengo (right) and ODM Edwin Sifuna address residents of Ugunja town during a public rally by Linda Mwananchi faction on February 8, 2026.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group
On Saturday, Mr Orengo was in the company of Peoples Liberation Party (PLP) party leader Martha Karua and Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang’i at a church service in Ahero, Kisumu County.
Ms Karua and Dr Matiang’i are part of the United Opposition that has other leaders such as Wiper boss Kalonzo Musyoka, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa. Linda Mwananchi of Mr Orengo and Senator Sifuna has indicated their plan to join forces with the United Opposition in fronted a candidate to face off with President William Ruto.
“We must begin to talk now. The fact that we are here means we are talking about making Kenya a better country. We are not just talking about who is going to be the president or the next leader,” said Governor Orengo on Saturday.
