Siaya Governor James Orengo has criticised the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), saying the party has abandoned the ideas championed by its leader Raila Odinga and aligned itself with President William Ruto at the expense of ordinary Kenyans.

Speaking during the Linda Mwananchi rally in Mwatate town, Taita Taveta County, Orengo said the values that Raila has long stood for are now carried by the Linda Mwananchi movement rather than ODM.

“Siasa za Raila ziko katika Linda Mwanannchi, ODM wameuza kwa Ruto,” he said.

Orengo also turned his attention to long standing land concerns in Taita Taveta, arguing that local communities continue to be denied access to land by the government.

He claimed that about 65 percent of the country’s land is occupied by wildlife, while another 24 percent consists of private ranches.

“Asilimia 65 ya ardhi ya Taita Taveta ni ya wanyama, si ya watu. Asilimia 24 ni ranches. Lazima turudishe mashamba yetu,” he said.

At the same time Orengo maintained that the opposition’s objective is to remove President Ruto through the ballot rather than through legal challenges after elections.

“Kila mara tunaenda kortini na kumwakilisha Raila Odinga, lakini safari hii hatutaki kwenda kortini. Tunataka uchaguzi uwe huru na wa haki, polisi wawe kama raia na wananchi wapige kura,” he said.

The veteran politician described himself as one of Kenya’s longest-serving politician, saying that his mission is to ensure President William Ruto leaves office in the next General Elections

“I am the most senior politician in the Republic of Kenya. I am senior to Ruto. Ruto is my junior in politics. Kazi yangu sasa ni kuona Ruto ameenda nyumbani,” he added.