Siaya MCAs Deny Turning Down William Ruto’s State House Invitation: "Visit Was Postponed"

• Siaya MCAs strongly denied claims that they rejected an invitation from President William Ruto to visit State House
• They clarified that the visit was postponed due to the absence of Governor James Orengo and other key county officials, not out of political resistance
• The leaders also dismissed talk of an impeachment motion against the governor, saying they are committed to unity and development-focused dialogue

TUKO.co.ke journalist Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya

A section of Siaya county assembly members have refuted claims circulating on social media that they turned down President William Ruto’s invitation to State House.

Led by Majority Leader Martin Otieno, the MCAs dismissed the rumours, affirming that they are not opposed to visiting State House to discuss development matters.

"We were not going for our personal benefits, but for the benefit of the Siaya County residents. So, we did not refuse to go," Otieno affirmed.

Did Siaya MCAs snub Ruto's State House invite?

North Ugenya Ward MCA Bernard Adala clarified that the planned visit, initially scheduled for Wednesday, May 14, was merely postponed to next week due to the absence of key leaders, including Governor James Orengo, who is currently out of the country.

His sentiments were echoed by Central Gem MCA Silas Madingu and nominated MCA Dorothy Oinga, who emphasised that they are ready to visit State House at any time once the governor returns.

They further noted that their priority is attending the meeting as a unified leadership team to champion development in Siaya county.

"We learnt that the top leadership of the county government of Siaya was absent, and we wanted it to be an all-inclusive trip. The visit was then postponed as we waited for our leaders," Madingu said.

"We are ready to go to the State House any time once the governor comes back from his work trip," Oinga noted.

Speaking at the County Assembly precincts, the MCAs also dismissed claims that there are efforts to initiate an impeachment motion against Orengo.

Otieno and Madingu confirmed that no such motion has been tabled, reiterating that there are no plans to remove the governor from office.

"There's no such motion like an impeachment. The governor has done nothing wrong to deserve an impeachment," Otieno assured.

Is an impeachment motion against Orengo underway?

TUKO.co.ke previously reported on the challenges facing Orengo, whose opposition to Ruto's administration has caused tensions within both the Nyanza region and the ODM party.

A section of local leaders had accused him of inciting political division and undermining the unity of the Luo community.

The leaders argued that with Raila Odinga's political alliance with the president, all ODM members should fall in line, asserting that Orengo's statement did not represent the Luo people.

They threatened to initiate an impeachment process against Orengo, accusing him of indiscipline and political betrayal.

Orengo was urged to abandon his radical stance, receiving warning that failure to apologise would lead to efforts to remove him from office.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke