Siaya Governor James Orengo has been forced to flee funeral proceedings after a political clash between his team and Homabay Governor Gladys Wanga.
During the burial ceremony of Seme Member of Parliament’s Father, Dr. James Nyikal, the ceremony turned chaotic after a section of youths reportedly interrupted a speech by Siaya Governor James Orengo, temporarily disrupting the proceedings.
In a spot check by The Kenya Times, Governor Orengo was forced to vacate, together with his team.
The funeral ceremony was attended by Nyanza region leaders, including Kisumu Governor Professor Anyang’ Nyong’o Kisumu Women Representative Ruth Odinga and Homabay Governor Gladys Wanga.
Orengo Flees Funeral Procession in Kisumu
According to footages shared circulating on social media, Governor Orengo had just begun his address when a group of youths started chanting from within the crowd.
Also Read: Orengo Welcomes Willis Raburu to Linda Mwananchi, Confirms Bid for Senate Seat
The chants quickly spread through sections of the gathering, causing confusion and disrupting the flow of the ceremony.
Some mourners attempted to calm the situation, while others appeared to respond to the chants, escalating the tension.
The noise forced a temporary halt to proceedings as the governor was forced to get out of the tent.
Ruth Odinga Slams ‘Wantam’ and ‘Tutam’, Calls for Unity
Speaking during the ceremony, Kisumu Women’s representative Ruth urged Luo leaders to stop political division and unite the people, stating that she does not belong to any political side.
Odinga also called on the Nyanza leaders to unite in preventing division and fallout in ODM party in honour of former prime minister Raila Odinga.
“I am not in wantam or tutam, am in a term called Raila Odinga. Senior Luo politicians should sit and bring Luos together. We’ll go nowhere with these two factions,” said Ruth Odinga.
Kisumu governor Anyang Nyong’o has also condemned the action during the funeral that they have gathered together to pay final respect to the deceased urging the luo leaders to unite.
Also Read: Orengo Confronts Uhuru Over ODM Moles
Orengo’s Linda Mwanachi Political Activity
Siaya Governor James Orengo is among leaders of Linda Mwanachi movement.
Recently, he confirmed that media personality Willis Raburu has joined the Linda Mwananchi Movement and intends to run for the Kisumu Senate seat.
In a statement on April 23, Orengo said he had met Raburu and described their discussion as “positive”, while revealing the role Raburu is expected to play within the movement.
“Today, I had an engaging one‑on‑one discussion with Willis Raburu. He’s officially bringing his signature youthful energy, corporate MC expertise, and creative media edge to the Linda Mwananchi Movement,” Orengo said.
He added that Raburu had decided to align with the movement as he prepares for his senatorial bid in Kisumu.
“Willis is running for the Kisumu Senatorial seat, and we are thrilled he’s chosen to board our bus, a movement fueled by the aspirations of the youth and a drive for a better Kenya,” Orengo stated.
