James Orengo is one of the highest ranked politicians in Kenya,he is currently the Governor of Siaya. He succeeded Rasanga in 2022. Orengo is currently missing from the public with many Kenyans asking about his sickness. According to Maverick Aoko,Orengo was poisoned by his enemies and he is now fighting for his life.
Age
He was born in 1951,meaning that he is aged 74 years in 2025.His home is Kasipul Kabondo in Homabay County, Kenya and the father was Apolo Stefano Olunga Orengo.
Education
James Orengo joined the Alliance High School in January 1965, and finished form six education in 1970. He was among the top students at Alliance.In 1971, he joined the University of Nairobi to study Bachelor of law and became the university president in 1973. In 1974, he graduated from the University of Nairobi with a lower second class honors in Bachelor of Laws LL.B, and later enrolled at the prestigious Kenya School of Law. He passed his bar examination after several attempts and thus admitted into the Kenya legal Council.
That is where he started practising his Law profession.
Activism and political life
Orengo started his activism activities during the university days. He led the students in many protests against the leadership of the university and national leaders.
During his activism activities,Orengo went into exile in many countries,including Tanzania,Uganda and Zimbabwe. He was escaping the ruthless rule of Moi.
James Orengo was elected as the MP for Ugenya in 1980 in a by election. He became the youngest MP at the age of 29.
He was subsequently elected as an MP in December 1992 on a FORD-Kenya ticket. He was re-elected in December 1997 on a Ford-Kenya ticket but lost his seat in the 2002 general elections when he also contested for the presidency on a Social Democratic Party ticket.
In 2002 he contested for presidency under Social Democratic Party where he lost to former President Mwai Kibaki.He later joined NARC Coalition.
In 2007 he contest as an MP for Ugenya under ODM and he won.He became Lands Minister in 2008,a position he served until 2013.
He became Siaya Senator in 2013,a position he served until 2022 when he was elected as the Governor for Siaya.
Wife and Children
Orengo’s wife is called Betty Kaari Murungi.,who is also a lawyer. Orengo and Betty are blessed with 7 children,three boys and 4 girls.
James Orengo sickness
Orengo appeared at State House in 2025. Few days later, he disappeared from the public. Sources close to him claimed that he underwent knee injury and went to seek treatment abroad. However, rumours from Maverick Aoko said that he was poisoned.
Resignation
Orengo has not resigned as the Governor. A fake letter was circulating online but the county dispelled the rumours.