‘Ruto Needs ODM, Not the Other Way Round,’ Governor Orengo Declares
He echoed the sentiments of ODM leader Raila Odinga, emphasizing the need to keep the party united while engaging the youth in determining the future.
Siaya Governor James Orengo addresses the ODM's youth convention in Mombasa on November 14, 2025. PHOTO | COURTESY
By Ruth sang
Siaya Governor James Orengo has strongly criticized those members of the Orange Democratic Movement who, until recently, aligned themselves with the administration of President William Ruto under what they described as a broad-based political framework. Orengo dismissed their actions as acts of fear and betrayal, insisting that ODM must be firm and independent, and stand for what it stood for since its inception.
Speaking on Friday at the ODM Youth Convention in Mombasa, Orengo declared that President Ruto’s political survival in light of the 2027 General Election depends more on ODM support than ODM dependence on the Kenya Kwanza administration. In his view, the head of state has failed to live up to Kenyans’ expectations, making ODM an even more vital force in national politics.
He said that ODM should not lose its role of being the voice for ordinary citizens and compromise its identity for short-term political conveniences.
“We want leadership that is accountable to its people. As it stands today, I can confidently say that Ruto is the one in need of ODM, not the reverse,” Orengo declared. “Some individuals are behaving as though ODM is desperate for Ruto’s approval. That is not the case. Ruto needs ODM because he has failed to deliver. I am not afraid to speak the truth.”
The governor welcomed remarks made by Dr. Oburu Oginga, who insisted that ODM must not allow itself to be swallowed by any political arrangement. Orengo observed that the idea of a broad-based government has no legal footing, arguing that it distracts parties from their core mandate of serving the people.
He further challenged ODM members considering cooperation with the current administration to have a second thought about their motives, warning that such moves may cost the party in the future.
“If Ruto secures a second term in 2027 with ODM’s help, what future would this party have?” he asked. “I am concerned that some members are losing courage. You cannot lead a strong party with uncertainty. ODM must remain grounded in what it stands for.”
In addition, Orengo reaffirmed the party’s potential to field a presidential candidate in 2027 and insisted that ODM’s destiny should be shaped internally and not through externally engineered arrangements.
He echoed the sentiments of ODM leader Raila Odinga, emphasizing the need to keep the party united while engaging the youth in determining the future direction of the party.
“Raila Odinga’s contribution to this country is greater than that of any of the four presidents who have served before and after him,” he said. “He did not build ODM to simply fit into a broad-based structure. He built it to champion the people’s voice.” As ODM prepares to mark its 20th anniversary this coming Saturday, November 15, the youth convention provided a venue for members to celebrate Raila’s legacy while strategizing how to drive the party forward into the years ahead.
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