SIAYA, Kenya — Siaya Governor James Orengo has publicly challenged the legitimacy of Oburu Odinga as leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), intensifying internal tensions within one of Kenya’s largest opposition parties.
Speaking during an interview with Vivid Voice News on Monday, Orengo described Oburu Odinga’s elevation to the party leadership as “completely unofficial,” arguing that the process did not follow formal party procedures or broad internal consultation.
“What Oburu did, how he became party leader, is completely unofficial,” Orengo said. “Governor Wanga had confirmed what I had always said: that when that position was imposed on Oburu, he was not aware. He was just declared by individuals.”
The Siaya governor claimed the leadership transition was driven by a small group within the party rather than through transparent institutional structures recognised by ODM members.
Orengo further defended his own declaration as acting party leader, arguing that his emergence was rooted in popular support from party supporters during political mobilisation rallies.
“In our Linda Mwananchi rallies, ‘the party leader’ was just coming up as a chorus and so what do I do, I declared,” he said.
The remarks expose deepening divisions within ODM at a time when the party is navigating internal succession questions and positioning itself ahead of future national political contests.
Orengo also warned that ODM risked losing its ideological identity and political influence if internal structures were weakened or captured by outside interests.
“ODM is in danger of being sold to political enemies,” he said, adding that he would lead efforts to protect the party’s legacy and independence.
In earlier remarks, Orengo questioned whether Oburu Odinga possessed the political experience necessary to lead the party through mounting national and internal pressures.
“Oburu was born into a political family of the grandest of politicians; that was his father,” Orengo said in a previous interview. “Most of his father’s life, he was in the political background. He never really was in the forefront. He never tasted tear gas. He’s never been inside a police station.”
Gladys Wanga had earlier announced Oburu Odinga’s ratification during the ODM National Delegates Convention held at Jamhuri Park in Nairobi on March 27, 2026.
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“The National Delegates Convention hereby ratifies Senator Oburu Odinga as the national party leader of the Orange Democratic Party,” Wanga declared during the gathering.
Delegates at the convention overwhelmingly endorsed Oburu’s leadership as part of broader restructuring within the party hierarchy.
Despite that endorsement, Orengo has maintained that the process lacked proper constitutional and procedural grounding within ODM’s official party structures.
The escalating disagreement now sets the stage for a potentially significant internal power struggle within ODM, with questions emerging over succession, institutional legitimacy, and the future direction of the party following years of dominance under veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga.
