The opposition alliance led by Rigathi Gachagua and Kalonzo Musyoka is seeking Siaya Governor James Orengo as a running mate to attract support from the Luo Nyanza region. Internal sources say Orengo is eyed for his political experience and firm stance against ODM's ties with the government. However, this move could be risky if Nyanza remains aligned with President William Ruto.
The opposition alliance led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka is seeking to appoint Siaya Governor James Orengo as one of its flag-bearers to draw support from the Luo Nyanza region. Internal sources told Taifa Jumapili that Orengo is being eyed by the opposition due to his political experience and firm stance on ODM's relationship with President William Ruto's government.
Sources revealed that Orengo is being considered as a running mate in the new alliance bringing together Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua of the People’s Liberation Party, Eugene Wamalwa of DAP-Kenya, Justin Muturi of the Democratic Party, and Uhuru Kenyatta's Jubilee party represented by former Interior Minister Fred Matiang’i.
However, for Orengo, joining such an alliance would be a high-stakes political gamble if Nyanza decides to stay with Ruto in the broad-based government setup. ODM Acting Leader Dr. Oburu Oginga has emphasized that the region's political future remains open, and ODM cannot accept anything less than a deputy presidency in the 2027 elections if it allies with another party.
Orengo is among the close allies of former opposition leader Raila Odinga, who have indicated they would part ways with Ruto and instead partner with Musyoka in the 2027 presidential race. Some members of the Odinga family, led by Kisumu MP Ruth Odinga, widow Ida Odinga, and Orengo, view Musyoka as a trustworthy figure to carry forward Odinga's legacy.
This could be a blow to Ruto, who expects to inherit Odinga's supporters following the agreement that led to the broad-based government. During a private Wiper delegation visit to the Opoda and Kang’o ka Jaramogi farm in Bondo on Thursday, leaders praised Musyoka, with him referring to Odinga as “a brother, a partner in the struggle, and a commander who should have been Kenya's president.”