Raila and Orengo. Photo: Standard
Siaya Governor James Orengo has opened up about a historic and emotional moment he shared with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga—the morning Kenya’s Supreme Court nullified the 2017 presidential election.
Speaking to NTV on Monday, Orengo described the ruling as a turning point that sent shockwaves across the nation.
“The celebration after winning the petition was unforgettable,” he said, recalling the joy, relief, and electric atmosphere among supporters and opposition leaders.
The court’s decision, the first ever to annul a presidential election, proved that even the highest office is not untouchable.
Orengo, who played a leading role in the legal battle, revealed the behind-the-scenes effort that made the victory possible: meticulous preparation, evidence gathering, and tense courtroom showdowns.
“It wasn’t just politics; it was about justice,” he said.
Yet even amid triumph, cracks appeared. Orengo admitted he and Raila sometimes disagreed, pointing to the controversial Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) as a major point of contention.
Still, he insisted these differences never overshadowed their shared historic achievement.
Political watchers say Orengo’s candid reflections reveal the human side of Kenya’s opposition politics, where victory and tension often coexist.
For many Kenyans, the 2017 petition remains a landmark moment, remembered not only for its legal and political impact but also for the personal stories of leadership, loyalty, and celebration behind it.