Speaking amid growing political tensions across the country, Orengo argued that by-elections often serve as a political thermometer, revealing the public mood long before a general election is held.
According to the veteran ODM politician, the performance of the DCP party in recent contests should concern the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“By-elections are always indicative of what could happen during general elections. The signs could be bad for President Ruto, especially if a party like DCP can garner the number of votes it recently secured in his own Emurua Dikirr constituency,” Orengo said.
The Siaya governor further pointed to President Ruto’s recent remarks in his political strongholds, where the Head of State openly expressed frustration over what he described as betrayal by some leaders and residents from his backyard.
Orengo argued that such statements are evidence that dissatisfaction is no longer limited to opposition regions but is now spreading into areas previously considered firm support bases for the president.
“When you see the president going back to his backyard and lamenting about being let down by his own kinsmen, it clearly shows that even his own people are unhappy with what is currently happening,” he added.
His remarks come at a time when political realignments continue to shape the national conversation, with opposition leaders intensifying criticism of the government over the high cost of living, governance concerns, and alleged unfulfilled promises.
The mention of Emurua Dikirr constituency is politically significant because the region has traditionally been viewed as supportive of President Ruto and his allies.
Strong performance by rival political formations in such areas is likely to fuel debate about shifting voter loyalty ahead of the next election cycle.
Orengo has in recent months emerged as one of the most vocal critics within the broad-based political arrangement involving ODM leader Raila Odinga and President Ruto’s administration.
Despite ODM’s cooperation with the government on some issues, Orengo has maintained a hardline stance against what he terms poor governance and rising public frustration.
Political analysts now say upcoming by-elections across the country could become key battlegrounds as parties test their popularity and reorganize ahead of 2027.
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