President William Ruto is set to meet a delegation of Siaya leaders, including Governor James Orengo, in a high-stakes breakfast meeting at State House, Nairobi, on Thursday—signalling a potential thaw in relations between the Kenya Kwanza administration and ODM’s political base.
The meeting, facilitated by Energy Cabinet Secretary and Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi, is expected to focus on development priorities in Siaya county. However, the political undertones suggest a deeper shift in national and regional alliances, especially amid increasing speculation over opposition leader Raila Odinga’s evolving relationship with President Ruto.
According to insiders, the Siaya delegation will present a detailed memorandum of proposed projects for national government support. Governor Orengo, who is expected to lead the delegation, has been a vocal critic of the Ruto administration in the past but now appears open to dialogue following a broader call for unity from Raila Odinga.
“The selection of leaders and the timing of this meeting are politically symbolic,” said Oscar Omondi, a political commentator from Siaya. “This is about more than just roads and markets—it’s a test of political recalibration.”
The decision to attend the meeting follows recent efforts by Raila to calm internal ODM wrangles and unify the Siaya leadership. During a recent gathering with local leaders, Raila urged them to shelve political differences and allow Governor Orengo, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, and Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi to focus on development.
“The time for campaigns will come. For now, let our leaders work,” Raila said, in remarks seen as endorsing a cooperative approach with the Ruto administration.
Senator Oburu echoed Raila’s call, saying political stability was crucial for meaningful development. “We don’t want petty fights to derail our county’s progress. We will go to State House united,” he said.
This marks a significant shift for Orengo, who just weeks ago was still seeking audience with President Ruto through formal letters—without success. In an April 17 letter, Orengo requested a consultative meeting involving Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, MPs, MCAs, and County Executive Committee members from Siaya. At the time, his harsh criticism of the Kenya Kwanza government reportedly made such dialogue untenable.
However, sources now confirm that the idea of an all-inclusive engagement—initially proposed by more pro-government voices from the region—has been embraced across the board. All elected Siaya leaders, including MCAs, are expected to attend the State House meeting, reflecting a growing consensus for pragmatic cooperation.
Recent joint appearances by Orengo, Raila, and other Nyanza leaders at presidential events have also signalled a willingness to build bridges with the national government.
The meeting also holds broader implications for Ruto’s 2027 re-election strategy. Nyanza, traditionally a Raila stronghold, is increasingly seen as a critical battleground. A successful engagement with Siaya leaders could enhance Ruto’s standing in the region, while helping Raila showcase that his improved ties with the President can yield tangible benefits for his base.
As Thursday’s meeting approaches, political observers are watching closely. Whether it ushers in a new era of cooperation or exposes deeper fractures within ODM remains to be seen. But for both President Ruto and Raila Odinga, it is a pivotal moment that could redefine the political landscape ahead of the next general election.
