“Fight for Your Rights” — Orengo Warns Maasai Over Land Loss and Political Marginalisation
News Updated: 20 June 2026 19:28 EAT
Photo Courtesy : Siaya Governor James Orengo who is part of the Linda Mwananchi faction speaking during the burial of veteran politician H.M. ole Lempaka in Narok
Siaya Governor James Orengo used the burial ceremony of veteran politician H.M. ole Lempaka in Narok to pay tribute to the late leader while delivering a broader message on democracy, constitutional rights and Kenya’s political future.
Opening his remarks, Orengo described himself as a politician who speaks uncomfortable truths rather than popular opinions. “I don't like telling people what they want to hear. I want to tell you what you don't want to hear. That is my nature,” he told mourners.
Orengo said he attended the ceremony because Lempaka represented a generation of leaders who fought for democratic reforms and political pluralism. He recalled the late politician’s involvement during the opposition struggles that shaped Kenya’s political direction.
According to Orengo, Lempaka worked alongside leaders including Kenneth Matiba, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Masinde Muliro in efforts to create a different political path for the country. He described him as one of the figures committed to expanding democratic space.
Reflecting on his personal memories, Orengo described Lempaka as refined, articulate and deeply committed to unity. “He was a very well-groomed gentleman, very smart, very eloquent and he was a peacemaker,” he said.
The governor added that one of Lempaka’s defining characteristics was his willingness to bridge political divisions. He said the veteran leader could engage leaders across competing camps in attempts to forge opposition cooperation during periods of intense political competition.
Orengo argued that Lempaka sometimes prioritised political unity over personal advancement. “Instead of fighting for his seat or for a space in the political arena, he was busy trying to bring people together so that the opposition can work together,” he said.
In one of the speech’s political moments, Orengo told the gathering that he currently considers himself the de facto leader within ODM and linked current opposition politics to broader national debates over governance and accountability.
Referencing recent political events, he said public resistance to the Finance Bill demonstrated that citizens remain capable of influencing government decisions. He argued that proximity to power alone does not guarantee political gains.
Orengo also criticised the idea that participation in government automatically protects communities from marginalisation. “Being in government does not guarantee you anything… What matters is that you must fight for your rights,” he told the crowd.
Turning specifically to local concerns, the governor claimed Maasai communities continue to face pressure over land ownership and representation. He warned that demographic changes and land disputes could weaken community influence if not actively addressed.
“The Maasai land rights are being violated every day,” Orengo said, adding that communities should remain organised and continue advocating for legal and constitutional protections.
He linked those concerns to historical constitutional debates and argued that Maasai leaders played an important role during negotiations around Kenya’s independence settlement. According to Orengo, they pushed for constitutional safeguards and protections of rights.
Closing his remarks, Orengo urged communities to maintain confidence in their identity and political agency. “Kenyans stand up and be proud because you belonged to the best, not to the worst,” he said, while portraying Lempaka’s legacy as one rooted in democracy, dialogue and the defence of rights.
Tags: James Orengo Linda Mwananchi Odm ODM-UDA Pact Odm Zoning One Term One term Political Parties Political Party Political Partys Political Science Political tensions Politics Signs Signs Media Signs Media Kenya Limited Signs Tv Signsmedia Signst Signstv Signstvkenya Wantam Wantam Edit Editor's Pick Editors choice H.M. ole Lempaka Rest In Peace
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD