Azimio Governors Won't Attend Devolution Conference Until Raila Odinga's Security Is Restored, James Orengo

• The government, through Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, acknowledged that it had withdrawn the security personnel of Azimio la Umoja Ome Kenya Alliance leaders
• Siaya governor James Orengo said that Azimio la Umoja leaders, including their leader Raila Odinga, were yet to receive their security personnel back
• He said Azimio governors will boycott a meeting with President William Ruto in Eldoret, where the Devolution Conference will take place until their security is reinstated

Siaya governor James Orengo has accused the government under the leadership of President William Ruto of refusing to reinstate the security of top Azimio la Umoja leaders.

Azimio security withdrawal

The leaders, including Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance Party leader Raila Odinga disclosed that their security personnel were withdrawn ahead of the three-day nationwide demonstrations that began on Wednesday, July 18.

Speaking during the memorial of Kenyans killed during the protests in Siaya on Friday, August 11, Orengo said they would boycott any meeting with the president until Raila's security is reinstated.

Where is Devolution Conference 2023?

He was categorical that governors elected on the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party ticket would begin by boycotting the Devolution Conference set to take place in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu county, from Tuesday, August 15 to Saturday, August 19.

The organisers have slotted Ruto to preside over the opening of the conference, where he is set to address the governors.

"We have been told to go for a meeting of council of governors, that will be opened by president Ruto, so to speak. I am saying so to speak because we don't recognise it. We Azimio governors are the only ones without security, our security, our bodyguards were taken away," said Orengo.

The governor said that Raila, Mama Ida Odinga, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, NARC Kenya leader Martha Karua, Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi and Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo were without their security personnel.

"We cannot sit down and listen to someone who has withdrawn security from Baba (Raila), we can't talk about the council of governors meeting. We will meet to resolve not to attend the meeting presided by Ruto when he has taken away security of our leader Raila Odinga," Orengo stated.

Earlier on, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said admitted that the leaders' security personnel had been withdrawn and taken to bolster security for other Kenyans facing threats from rogue elements during protests called by the Opposition.