LUMAKANDA, Kenya — Siaya Governor James Orengo has taken a firm stand on the internal leadership crisis within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), declaring his unwavering support for Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi.
Speaking at the funeral of veteran politician Cyrus Jirongo in Kakamega County, the senior counsel argued that the duo’s leadership is not merely a political arrangement but a legally established reality.
Governor Orengo’s remarks arrive at a critical juncture for ODM, as the party grapples with the vacuum left by the late Raila Odinga and the looming 2027 General Election.
Addressing mourners and party supporters, Orengo stressed that internal stability is contingent on respecting the existing chain of command.
“I recognise Sifuna as the ODM party Secretary General and Godfrey Osotsi as the deputy party leader. That is the reality in law,” Orengo stated.
He further reminded the congregation that the late party leader had specifically designated Sifuna as the official spokesperson, a role Orengo believes carries significant constitutional and legal weight.
He warned that any attempts to undermine these positions would only foster confusion and weaken the party’s national standing.
Ambition and national representation
Turning his attention to the party’s succession politics, Orengo delivered a pointed critique of leaders who seem hesitant to declare their ultimate goals.
He encouraged those eyeing high office to be bold, suggesting that political “timidity” leads to diminished influence.
“If you want to be number two, declare that you want to be number one, then you will be number two. Declare that you want to be number two and you are going to be number three,” Orengo explained.
The Governor also emphasized the necessity of regional inclusivity in national discourse, asserting that the Luo and Luhya communities must remain central to any discussions regarding the future of the Kenyan state.
Resistance against ‘political swallowing’
In a stern warning against the potential absorption of ODM into broader government-friendly coalitions, Orengo argued that the survival of multi-party democracy is at stake.
He expressed concern that smaller parties are being gradually neutralized by dominant political formations.
“Several parties are being swallowed one by one. ODM cannot be eaten slowly. Democracy must prevail,” he said.
Also Read: Orengo lambasts ODM factions fraternizing with Ruto, asserts ‘it’s Ruto that needs ODM’
Orengo cited ANC and FORD-Kenya as examples of parties at risk of losing their unique identities. He has been a vocal critic of moves that might see ODM drift toward President William Ruto’s administration, urging the party to maintain its independence and grassroots ideology.
Internal friction: Otuoma dissents
However, the event also highlighted the widening rift within the “Orange” camp. Busia Governor Paul Otuoma openly disagreed with Orengo’s decision to address party grievances at a public forum.
Otuoma urged his colleagues to handle internal disputes behind closed doors rather than before a public audience that may not have the party’s best interests at heart.
“If we have issues within the party, we shall address it internally. How are these people going to help us?” Otuoma posed, criticizing the act of “washing dirty linen in public.”
