According to the MCA, David Ragen of Central Alego Ward, President Ruto expressed a desire to have Orengo on his team and left the MCAs with a specific message to deliver to the Governor.
Ragen states the meeting addressed Orengo's persistent opposition to the UDA-ODM political partnership.
President Ruto allegedly told the MCAs this resistance was being fueled by overtures from former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The President's message, as relayed by Ragen, had two parts. First, Ruto wanted Orengo reminded of their long working history together, arguing that any differences between them should be resolved directly.
Second, and more pointedly, Ruto instructed the MCAs to tell the Governor to avoid what he termed former President Kenyatta's "antics and money," urging him not to be swayed by such influence.
This indirect outreach through local MCAs shows Ruto's active hunt of a key ODM critic within the broad-based government.
Ruto's utterances follows recent public accusations by other ODM leaders, like Governor Gladys Wanga, who claim Uhuru Kenyatta is attempting to divide and buy the party; allegations the former president has denied.
