Orengo’s strategy in senate seat fight

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By SUNDAY NATION CORRESPONDENTS newsdesk@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted  Saturday, October 6  2012 at  20:34

IN SUMMARY

• The race for the Siaya senatorial position promises to be a bruising duel since Mr Orengo, the Lands minister, is one of Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s confidants while Dr Oginga is the PM’s brother.
• Residents have been treated to successive endorsements coming from both within and outside the county, most of which Mr Orengo does not respond to.
• But it is last Saturday’s comments by Local Government minister Paul Otuoma that sent the strongest signal yet that this could be an approach to outwit his opponents.

Siaya County Senate aspirant James Orengo has adopted a strategy in which he remains aloof in the campaigns, instead using proxies to drum up support in the race that pits him against Dr Oburu Oginga.

The race for the Siaya senatorial position promises to be a bruising duel since Mr Orengo, the Lands minister, is one of Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s confidants while Dr Oginga is the PM’s brother.

Residents have been treated to successive endorsements coming from both within and outside the county, most of which Mr Orengo does not respond to.

But it is last Saturday’s comments by Local Government minister Paul Otuoma that sent the strongest signal yet that this could be an approach to outwit his opponents. (READ:Civic leaders in rush for public assets)

“This position is a very sensitive one and requires a vibrant politician who has sacrificed a lot in fighting for democratic space in this country; nobody has done that better than Orengo,” Mr Otuoma said in an address to mourners at a burial ceremony in Ugenya last weekend.

He described Mr Orengo as a great asset to the Orange party especially if it forms the next government. The Lands minister avoided the subject when he rose to speak.