Siaya senator James Orengo has become the first Kenyan politician to win an election without declaring his candidature nor campaigning.
The legislator floored his rivals to secure ODM ticket for his re-election bid with 140, 748 votes. His closest rival, Argwings Kodhek managed a measly 9,582 votes.
The landslide victory is more impressive considering Orengo never declared his candidature at any one point, spent next to zero shillings, did not put up posters and only campaigned once.
His campaign came two days before the primaries as he hosted residents of Masiro, Ramunde, Ugunja & Sega at his home.
Yesterday I was happy to host residents of Masiro, Ramunde, Ugunja & Sega at my home. pic.twitter.com/0zQe6n1uHA
— James Orengo (@orengo_james) April 25, 2017
His impressive win has not gone without notice in social media circles, with Kenyans on Twitter hailing Orengo the Greatest Of All Time.
Some reactions:
Uasin Gishu oopz !
Meanwhile in Siaya Snr Counsel James Orengo floors all his opponents without spending a coin to campaign – 5*politician— DukeOfSiaya (@AbednegoKE) April 26, 2017
By the it’s true, James Orengo didn’t even bother to waste a single coin campaigning but won with a landslide
— Ezra (@EZRAwaCHELSKI) April 26, 2017
But James Orengo commands respect across the country not only in Siaya. Leader. #Lanes
— Ezra (@EZRAwaCHELSKI) April 26, 2017
U don’t have to pollute our streets with campaign posters to win. James Orengo has won senate primaries race with no posters or loud music
— Jared Kidambi (@JaredKidambi) April 26, 2017
James orengo retains his seat without even campaigning,real mvp
— gideon mgandi (@mgandigiddy) April 26, 2017
JAMES ORENGO
No Posters
No Banners
No CampaignsJust his Name on the ballot paper, Now that’s a brand.
— Mackiche Mackiche (@mackiche_victor) April 26, 2017
Senator James Orengo wins Siaya Senator on ODM with over 100k votes, Ajim never had a campaign secretariat and appeared in a rally only once
— Sultan (@radakv) April 26, 2017
#NairobiDecides it takes ages and many landmark events to build a brand,many aspirants envy James Orengo. pic.twitter.com/2YIQXzbkLG
— DukeOfSiaya (@AbednegoKE) April 26, 2017
James Orengo is the GOAT. Shows up 2 days to elections and like a boss, walks away with the damn nomination certificate!
— MichaelYoungHistory (@clintonasty) April 26, 2017
James Orengo becomes the 1st politician in history to win without even declaring his candidature nor campaigning #NairobiDecides pic.twitter.com/iBE9FnusDf
— Dj Double Trouble (@DjDaboTrabo) April 26, 2017
@florence_mutua James Orengo is a brand in Luoland
— Fredrick Ogola (@ogola_fredrick) April 26, 2017
The Power of A Brand
James Orengo
No Posters
No Banners
No Campaigns
Defend his seat 48 hours to nominations #ODMParallelTallyingFail— Lord Silvance ™ (@iam_abeta) April 26, 2017
James Orengo didn’t even campaign, he has 140,748 votes..levels…
— aleckie ronald (@SirAlexas) April 26, 2017
James Orengo is the real MVP. Showed up two days and collected 140k votes against 9k votes from his closest competitor #Decision2017
— Duke of Kabarole (@gitirarobert) April 26, 2017
#ODMParallelTallyingFail The Power of A Brand
James Orengo
No Posters
NoBanners
No Campaigns
Defend his seat 48 hours 2 nominations— sauti ya wakenya (@YaWakenya) April 26, 2017