Former ODM executive director Wafula Buke has stirred emotions online after alleging that Siaya Governor James Orengo once fainted upon hearing reports that Raila Odinga had died.
In an emotional Facebook post, Buke claimed that the incident reflected the extraordinary bond between the two veteran politicians, whose friendship stretches back decades through Kenya’s turbulent struggle for democracy.
Buke said he recently spent an entire morning with Orengo at his home in Ugenya, describing it as his longest and most memorable meeting with the longtime reformist.
“I had an 8:30 am appointment but arrived at 7:00 am. I can’t be late. Orengo is special,” he wrote, expressing admiration for the Siaya governor’s humility and legacy.
According to Buke, Orengo’s political journey is one of resilience and conviction — from his fiery activism as a University of Nairobi student leader in the 1970s to his decades-long role in Kenya’s pro-democracy movement.
He described Orengo as “the most politically successful Nairobi University student leader of all time” and “the custodian of our collective wisdom.”
Buke further alleged that Orengo’s dedication to the reform struggle ran so deep that he once lost consciousness after hearing that Raila had died.
“That he fainted when he heard that Raila had died qualifies him as not just an all-time comrade but a soulmate too,” Buke claimed, portraying the Siaya governor as deeply loyal to the ODM leader both politically and personally.
In his post, Buke went on to praise Orengo as the ideological successor of Raila Odinga, describing him as “the best reform president we may never get.”
He lauded Orengo’s integrity and lifelong commitment to justice and good governance.
“He has never been in court accused of grabbing anybody’s land,” Buke noted, emphasizing the governor’s clean public record.