Orengo Says ODM Will Resist ‘Takeover Attempts’ as Party Tensions Rise Ahead of Nyanza Rallies
He warned that the party leadership aligned with State House risked reducing ODM to a junior partner in national politics.
Siaya Governor James Orengo. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
Siaya Governor James Orengo has declared that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will resist what he described as attempts to weaken or “swallow” the party, setting the stage for heightened political activity ahead of planned rallies in the Nyanza and Western regions.
Speaking in Kisumu, Orengo said the “Linda Wananchi” initiative—described as a caucus within ODM—will mobilise supporters to defend the party’s founding principles and resist external influence.
“We want to make it very clear that Linda Wananchi is a caucus and a movement within ODM,” he said, noting that the campaign will culminate in a major rally in Kisumu.
Orengo framed the mobilisation as a return to the party’s ideological roots, invoking the legacy of Raila Odinga and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
“This is the land of Raila Odinga, the land of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, the land of Tom Mboya,” he said. “We believe ODM stood for something — to defend the people and protect the Bill of Rights. That is the true spirit of the party.”
The governor criticised a recent meeting at State House involving ODM leaders, arguing it signaled political dominance by the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
“The whole meeting in State House meant that UDA was the dominant party. It suggested political hegemony lies with UDA and that is not correct because ODM is the largest party in the Republic,” Orengo said.
He also faulted discussions on political zoning allegedly held during the meeting, terming them inconsistent with ODM’s expansion strategy.
“The most shameful thing is that our people were discussing zoning in State House, talking about ODM strongholds, while UDA was holding jamborees across these counties,” he added.
Orengo directly accused President William Ruto of attempting to weaken ODM from within, drawing parallels with the decline of the Jubilee Party.
“The trouble in ODM is not its members; the trouble is President Ruto,” he claimed. “He has penetrated our party organs and wants to do the same thing he did in central Kenya, where he ran down Jubilee.”
He warned that alignment with State House risked reducing ODM’s political standing.
“ODM, being the strongest party in Kenya, cannot become a junior partner. It is not ODM that needed UDA. It is UDA that needed ODM,” he said.
Calling on party loyalists to remain steadfast, Orengo urged members to defend the party’s identity and constitutional values.
“We are telling President Ruto that so long as we are alive, you will not swallow ODM,” he said.
The governor outlined a series of mobilisation events under the Linda Wananchi banner, including engagements in Vihiga County and a major rally in Kisumu expected to draw large crowds. He said the Kisumu event will begin with a church service before proceeding to a public gathering.
Orengo also criticised sections of ODM leadership, accusing them of complacency and overreliance on State House direction.
“Political parties gain strength by working hard. Raila Odinga built ODM by traversing the entire country from Turkana to Mandera, building a base of activists,” he said. “But now we have leaders who cannot move beyond their comfort zones and are waiting for instructions from State House.”
Positioning himself as a defender of the party’s legacy, Orengo said he would remain firm in safeguarding ODM’s independence.
“I must stand firm to ensure ODM is not swallowed, its legacy is not destroyed, and its reach is not diminished,” he said.
The remarks come amid intensified political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election. Despite the sharp rhetoric, Orengo emphasised that the planned activities would remain peaceful.
“This is a people’s movement. We come in peace and preach the language of peace,” he said.
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