MOMBASA, Kenya — Siaya Governor James Orengo has issued a strong rebuke to a segment of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party for what he termed a “cowardly” tendency to fraternize with President William Ruto’s administration under the guise of a broad-based agreement.
Speaking at the party’s youth convention in Mombasa on Friday, Orengo asserted that the political dynamic dictates that President Ruto needs the ODM party, rather than the reverse, especially given what he described as the administration’s failure to meet Kenyans’ expectations ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The call for independence
Governor Orengo emphasized that the ODM must maintain its status as an independent entity, serving as the authentic voice of the marginalized.
“We want a government that is accountable and now, as we speak, I dare say, Ruto needs ODM, it’s not ODM that needs Ruto. Sijui mnaniskia. There are people in the party behaving as if ODM is the one that needs Ruto,” Orengo stated.
He reinforced his conviction that the President is politically vulnerable:
“It’s Ruto that needs ODM, kwa sababu ameshindwa. I’m not afraid to say, I have nothing to fear but fear. I was very happy when Dr. Oburu (Oginga) said ODM haitamezwa.”
Orengo stressed that the broad-based arrangement lacks any legal standing and urged the party to prepare to field its own presidential candidate in 2027, criticizing the ODM members showing reluctance.
“I don’t know why this party is becoming a party of cowards. In this party, kuna wanaODM wanaanza kusema we will be in the government or form the next government. In the world of politics, you’d better decide what you want. A strong party like ODM must be sure of what we want.”
Upholding Raila Odinga’s legacy
The Siaya Governor made a passionate appeal to honor the legacy of the late former Prime Minister and ODM chief, Raila Odinga, urging the party to remain united and prioritize the involvement of the youth in shaping its future.
Orengo argued that Odinga’s contribution far surpasses that of Kenya’s past presidents:
“What Raila has left is bigger than what all four presidents who have ruled Kenya have ever left. Raila is bigger than Kenyatta, Raila is bigger than Moi, Raila is bigger than Kibaki, Raila is bigger than Uhuru and Raila is bigger than Ruto,” Orengo pointed out.
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He concluded by framing Odinga’s vision as one of popular advocacy, noting that Odinga deliberately maintained a position of opposition to serve as the people’s conscience:
“Raila was so clever that he did not leave us just to be in the broad-based (government), he wanted to be the voice of the people and that’s why ODM is leading the forces within the National Assembly and the Senate. Kwa hivyo mimi kama James Orengo nataka niungane na vijana, mambo bado.”
The youth convention serves as a prelude to the party’s 20th-anniversary celebrations scheduled for Saturday, November 15, where members will honor Odinga’s legacy while charting the political path forward.
