Siaya County Governor James Orengo, who in recent times has been critical of the government, particularly his party’s entry into the broad-based government, held a meeting on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, with Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi.

Orengo took to social media to state that the meeting was in anticipation of Thursday’s meeting between President William Ruto and leaders from Siaya County. He noted that their discussions focused on development priorities for the region as they prepare for the upcoming engagement with the president.

Despite Mbadi previously criticising Orengo over his continued opposition to the broad-based government, the two leaders shared photos appearing in high spirits, laughing and shaking hands.

Held discussions with Hon. CS John Mbadi on development priorities in Siaya ahead of tomorrow's meeting with the President @WilliamsRuto together with a delegation of Siaya leaders. pic.twitter.com/h8gu487hpd

— James Orengo (@orengo_james) June 4, 2025

“Held discussions with Hon. CS John Mbadi on development priorities in Siaya ahead of tomorrow’s meeting with President @WilliamsRuto together with a delegation of Siaya leaders,” Orengo posted on his social media.

Orengos take on a broad-based govt

Orengo has been a vocal critic of the current Kenyan regime under President William Ruto, particularly opposing the political alliance between Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) led by Raila Odinga.

Orengo has consistently argued that the broad-based government undermines democratic principles and ODM’s role as an opposition party.

He has described the alliance as an abomination and a disaster, warning that it risks legitimising electoral injustices and tying the opposition to the regime’s failures.

Orengo has expressed concerns about the erosion of constitutional values, the rule of law, and the independence of institutions like the judiciary and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), citing potential manipulation ahead of the 2027 elections.

He has emphasised the need for ODM to maintain its identity as a party that speaks truth to power, urging it not to become a “praise-singing” entity for the government.

Orengo has also criticised the recurring post-election pacts between Odinga and his rivals, arguing that they deprive Kenya of democratic progress by justifying electoral fraud.

He has stated that he would rather “die standing than live kneeling” and has vowed to continue advocating for constitutional fidelity, even at the risk of his political career or impeachment threats from pro-alliance ODM members and Luo community professionals.

Orengo’s stance that the current regime has put him at loggerheads with ODM members, notably those who assumed top positions after the formation of the broad-based government, with Mbadi accusing Orengo of jealousy over cabinet positions allocated to him and James Wandayi.