This archive report was first published on 8 October 2019.
On October 7, 2019, Siaya Senator James Orengo quit representing the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) in a case against Weston Hotel, a move that could be seen as a win for Deputy President William Ruto.
The withdrawal came after Ruto's lawyer, Senior Counsel Ahmednassir Abdulahi, made an application to have Orengo thrown out of KCAA's team, claiming that he was acting on behalf of the Orange Democratic Party (ODM).
However, Orengo's co-lawyer, Stephen Ligunya, informed the High Court that the application was just a sideshow, and that Orengo had the right to represent anyone.
Ahmednassir had argued that Orengo's role in the case was a conflict of interest, and that he had no instructions to act on behalf of KCAA. He also alleged that Orengo's actions were a political matter for ODM to gain capital, with a view to scandalise and vex the hotel and its ownership.
But Orengo defended himself, stating that he had the right to represent anyone, and that Weston Hotel shouldn't be allowed to determine whom KCAA hires.
He further noted that ODM was not a party in the proceedings, nor was Weston Hotel a political party or aspirant for the party to have an interest in.
