The Siaya County governor made the remarks on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, while speaking at the funeral of former Kirinyaga County Senator Daniel Karaba.
Orengo argued that the region ignored Uhuru’s repeated calls to support the late Raila Odinga, choosing instead to back his then-deputy, William Ruto.
‘It could have been a win-win’
According to Orengo, the Mount Kenya region could have benefited politically had it backed Raila Odinga with Martha Karua as his running mate.
He argued that after Raila’s death in 2025, Karua — who would have been deputy president — could have ascended to the presidency, making the arrangement advantageous for the region.
Orengo told mourners that ignoring Uhuru’s political guidance had contributed to the country’s current challenges.
“Mnajua nyinyi watu wa mlima mngesikia Uhuru wakati ule hatungekuwa na hii taabu,” Orengo said.
The governor also addressed the ongoing turmoil within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which has recently split into two factions — Linda Mwananchi and Linda Ground.
Orengo jokingly told Uhuru that some of the individuals responsible for the party’s current problems were introduced into ODM through him, prompting laughter from the retired president.
He urged Uhuru to help resolve the situation, saying the former president should “smoke out” those behind the internal divisions.
Meanwhile, Eugene Wamalwa, leader of the Democratic Action Party – Kenya (DAP-K), described the funeral as politically significant.
He noted that it marked the first time the United Opposition had met together with Uhuru Kenyatta at a single event.
Wamalwa also observed that it was unusual to see the former president seated close to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
He suggested that if the Linda Mwananchi faction joined forces with the broader opposition, the next president of Kenya could emerge from that alliance.
According to Orengo, the Mount Kenya region could have benefited politically had it backed Raila Odinga with Martha Karua as his running mate.
He argued that after Raila’s death in 2025, Karua — who would have been deputy president — could have ascended to the presidency, making the arrangement advantageous for the region.
Orengo told mourners that ignoring Uhuru’s political guidance had contributed to the country’s current challenges.
“Mnajua nyinyi watu wa mlima mngesikia Uhuru wakati ule hatungekuwa na hii taabu,” Orengo said.
The governor also addressed the ongoing turmoil within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which has recently split into two factions — Linda Mwananchi and Linda Ground.
Orengo jokingly told Uhuru that some of the individuals responsible for the party’s current problems were introduced into ODM through him, prompting laughter from the retired president.
He urged Uhuru to help resolve the situation, saying the former president should “smoke out” those behind the internal divisions.
‘Ruto wants to take over ODM’
Orengo further accused President William Ruto of attempting to infiltrate and control ODM, similar to what he claimed happened with the Jubilee Party.
He alleged that there are efforts to “buy” the party but insisted that the Linda Mwananchi faction would resist any such attempt.
He also criticised ODM members he referred to as “wafanyabiashara” (political opportunists) for supporting Ruto’s re-election despite earlier warnings from Raila Odinga against promoting the president’s second-term bid.
Orengo claimed the Wantam movement had gained widespread support across the country and predicted political difficulties for those backing Ruto.
Orengo further accused President William Ruto of attempting to infiltrate and control ODM, similar to what he claimed happened with the Jubilee Party.
He alleged that there are efforts to “buy” the party but insisted that the Linda Mwananchi faction would resist any such attempt.
He also criticised ODM members he referred to as “wafanyabiashara” (political opportunists) for supporting Ruto’s re-election despite earlier warnings from Raila Odinga against promoting the president’s second-term bid.
Orengo claimed the Wantam movement had gained widespread support across the country and predicted political difficulties for those backing Ruto.
Wamalwa weighs in
Meanwhile, Eugene Wamalwa, leader of the Democratic Action Party – Kenya (DAP-K), described the funeral as politically significant.
He noted that it marked the first time the United Opposition had met together with Uhuru Kenyatta at a single event.
Wamalwa also observed that it was unusual to see the former president seated close to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
He suggested that if the Linda Mwananchi faction joined forces with the broader opposition, the next president of Kenya could emerge from that alliance.
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