Orengo: Oburu Was Not Elected By NDC as ODM Party Leader.
Politics Updated: 05 March 2026 13:48 EAT
Siaya Governor James Orengo
Siaya Governor James Orengo has warned that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has lost its revolutionary identity and no longer reflects the principles established by its late founder Raila Odinga. He said internal party decisions have been “hijacked,” undermining grassroots participation and core party values.
Orengo criticised the party’s emerging alignment with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), describing the cooperation as a betrayal of ODM’s independent opposition stance. He said such moves risk alienating loyal supporters and weakening the party’s electoral base.
The governor emphasised that ODM should maintain its independence and focus on presenting its own presidential candidate for the 2027 elections. He said joining pre-election coalitions with the ruling party would compromise the party’s identity and credibility.
Internal disputes have intensified between two main factions within ODM. One group supports party leader Oburu Odinga’s current strategy, while the other, including Orengo and Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, opposes close cooperation with UDA, calling instead for adherence to ODM’s founding principles.
The ongoing disagreements have also spilled into legal and procedural battles, including attempts to remove Sifuna as Secretary-General, a move that has been contested in courts. These disputes illustrate the depth of organisational challenges facing the party.
Observers note that ODM is under pressure as rival parties increasingly make inroads into traditional strongholds. The party faces the dual challenge of internal factionalism and external political competition, raising questions about its cohesion ahead of the next elections.
Orengo further warned that centralised decision-making has limited meaningful input from grassroots members, reducing transparency and accountability within the party. He argued that this threatens both democratic engagement and long-term party stability.
In public statements, the governor called on ODM leaders to return to the party’s original values, including social justice, citizen empowerment, and reformist ideals. He said failure to address these issues could erode public trust and damage the party’s reputation.
Party leader Oburu Odinga has downplayed claims of a divided party, urging members to resolve disputes internally rather than resorting to legal challenges or public confrontations. The leadership insists that ODM remains united despite the disagreements.
The ongoing conflict in ODM highlights broader concerns for Kenya’s opposition landscape. As the 2027 elections approach, the party’s choices on alliances, leadership, and strategy will be critical in determining its ability to remain a major political force.
Tags: Article Editor's Pick Odm ODM Orengo Political Parties Politics Siaya Siaya County Signs Media Kenya Limited Signsmedia Signstvkenya
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FELIX MAKONA
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