ODM cracks widen as Governor Orengo backs Sifuna camp in anti-Ruto push

Cracks within ODM widened at the weekend after Siaya Governor James Orengo, one of Raila Odinga’s longest-serving allies, openly aligned himself with the anti-Ruto faction within the party.

Intensifying an internal battle over ODM’s future direction, Orengo on Sunday joined a group of senior ODM leaders led by Nairobi Senator and ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna at a church service at Coast PAG Church in Kawangware, Dagoretti North, Nairobi county.

The leaders launched scathing attacks on President William Ruto’s administration and the broad-based arrangement, which has become a major point of contention within the Orange party.

In remarks that carried significant political weight, Orengo declared his support for Sifuna, whom he described as “Super Senator, Super secretary general”, and issued a stern warning against any attempt to remove him from office.

“Let me assure you, if anyone attempts to remove Sifuna as the party secretary general, that will be the end of ODM,” Orengo said.

Orengo’s intervention went beyond internal party wrangles to the defence of Raila’s family, a matter that has also taken on political significance.

“We must also respect the family of Raila. Mama Ida went through very difficult times when Raila was in jail. His children, including Winnie Odinga, have also gone through a lot. We don’t want anyone to play around with Raila’s family,” Orengo said.

The remarks were heavily politically loaded, coming just a week after Winnie addressed a rally in Kamukunji, warning against individuals she accused of “seeking to sell ODM”. That rally was widely interpreted as a response to growing unease within the party over its proximity to President Ruto’s administration.

Orengo revisited allegations that ODM was being “auctioned” through the broad-based arrangement, insisting the party would not be sold, even in the face of what he described as “opulence and conspicuous consumption” by some ODM members backing the deal with UDA.

He particularly questioned the increasing use of helicopters by politicians allied to the broad-based camp, suggesting the displays of wealth were incompatible with ODM’s traditional image as a wananchi party rooted in social justice and resistance politics.

The Siaya governor also invoked the 10-point MoU signed between ODM and UDA, describing it as the last document in which Raila formally committed himself in writing, with the assistance of Sifuna.

“I hear some people saying they are now in government,” Orengo said. “Raila said it was not until the 10-point agenda was addressed that any option of a coalition government would be considered.”

He added that Raila had set March 7, 2026, as the deadline for key issues, including the cost of living, compensation for Gen Z protesters and respect for human rights. Orengo noted that the conditions had not been met and, on that basis, insisted that ODM could not enter into a coalition with UDA “as things stand”.

At the same time, Orengo announced that the leaders accompanying him would traverse the country to challenge the government.

Orengo was flanked by, among others, Senator Sifuna; Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, the ODM deputy party leader; Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka; Embakasi East MP Babu Owino; Saboti MP Caleb Amisi; Bomachoge Borabu MP Obadiah Barongo; Kitutu Masaba MP Ombane Gisairo and Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo.

Notably, Orengo skipped key weekend meetings of broad-based-leaning leaders in Kisumu and Kisii, a move interpreted as deliberate distancing from the camp perceived to be accommodating President Ruto.

Senator Sifuna accused the pro-government faction of using intimidation rather than persuasion to force leaders into backing Ruto.

“Baba told us to have conversations with like-minded political parties. You must convince me that we share principles and values with UDA. ODM principles are nowhere close to those of UDA,” Sifuna said.

Amisi, one of the earliest critics of the broad-based arrangement, warned that any attempt to force Sifuna out would trigger a mass exodus.

“The passengers of this Chungwa bus have sworn that if Babu alights, they will alight with him. If Sifuna alights, they will follow him — and the same applies to Orengo and myself,” Amisi said, questioning the ability of acting party leader Senator Oburu Oginga to steady the party amid growing internal turmoil.

He accused individuals around Oburu of self-interest, saying they were more focused on “eating” than safeguarding the party’s future.

The standoff escalated further with renewed calls for the ODM National Delegates Conference.  Babu Owino reiterated the demand, warning that if the party does not voluntarily convene the NDC, the rebel faction would pursue alternative routes.

“If you don’t call for the NDC, we have the secretary general here. As provided under Article 43 of the ODM constitution, we will collect 1,000 signatures from delegates and present them to the secretary general to trigger the NDC,” Babu said.

The open defiance by Orengo marks yet another crack in ODM, which is torn between backing Ruto for a second term under a coalition or remaining in opposition and preparing for the 2027 elections. Orengo insisted that ODM must field a presidential candidate in 2027.