Siaya Governor James Orengo on Thursday, June 5, joined President William Ruto and other leaders from the county for a meeting at State House, Nairobi.

The meeting, according to President William Ruto, was to assess the government’s projects in the region.

“I hosted leaders and businessmen from Siaya County and appraised them of the Government’s projects in the region. We will invest Sh1 billion to develop the Usenge Pier and the attendant port infrastructure to stimulate the blue economy in the region. We will also construct 16 markets in the County at a cost of Sh2.5 billion and allocate Sh1.6 billion in the connection of more than 16,000 households to power to drive entrepreneurship,” said Ruto.

The newly found ‘relation’ has sparked whispers within political circles, especially since just weeks ago, Orengo was openly defiant of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party’s budding relationship with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

On Wednesday, the governor joined his counterparts and members of the Cabinet in engaging with the President on various issues at State House.

He has also recently been seen in the company of the Head of State during his visit to the region for Madaraka Day celebrations.

This marks a sharp contrast from his earlier stance.

At multiple forums, including ones attended by ODM leader Raila Odinga and President Ruto, Orengo had boldly urged ODM supporters to stay vigilant and stand firm for their rights.

“I cannot be a praise-singer. We fought for a democratic Constitution where people should speak freely. I urge Kenyans to tell their leaders the truth. This country will go to the dogs again if the kind of language we hear continues. If anything is brought to Siaya County, it will be as a matter of right, not as a favour,” Orengo said on April 18.

“There is a need to fight for your rights, and you will still have a better country.”

However, a letter seen by The Standard revealed that Orengo had reached out to President Ruto seeking a formal engagement.

In the letter dated April 17, 2025, and addressed to the President, Orengo requested a consultative development meeting involving key Siaya leaders, including cabinet secretaries and principal secretaries from the region, all MPs, the county speaker, county assembly leadership, and members of his executive.

“The purpose of the meeting is to engage you on key development matters affecting the county and to explore collaborative pathways through which the national government and county government can work together to accelerate socio-economic growth of the people,” noted Orengo.

He had proposed that the meeting be scheduled for the last week of April, but was open to any date and time that is convenient to the President’s calendar.