Siaya Governor James Orengo during an event in Kisii on May 15, 2026/COURTESY
Siaya Governor James Orengo has now declared that he is the de facto leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), saying he is ready to initiate dialogue with opposition leaders Fred Matiang'i and Kalonzo Musyoka in a bid to forge political unity ahead of the next general election.
Speaking Friday during the burial of Senator Richard Onyonka's mother, Mama Teresa Nyaboki, in Kisii, Orengo said political divisions should not derail what he termed a national rescue agenda.
“I am the de facto party leader of ODM, msiwe na wasiwasi, I am ready to begin talks with Matiang’i and Kalonzo to save this country called Kenya,” Orengo said.
Orengo has fallen out with his Senator and current ODM party leader, Oburu Oginga.
Alongside Nairobi Senator Edwin and several other party members, they have been leading a parallel faction within the party.
According to Orengo, leaders from the Gusii and Luo communities share deep historical and political ties that should be strengthened rather than broken by competition.
“Sisi tukiwa this part of the world (Gusii region) ni kitu kimoja,” he said, stressing the need for regional cohesion.
Turning to Matiang’i, Orengo praised his past working relationship with ODM leader Raila Odinga, noting that the former Interior Cabinet Secretary had long been viewed as part of Raila’s political orbit.
“Fred Matiang’i, I admire the way you worked with Raila Odinga. Many times, Raila was calling you his son,” he said.
He further suggested that Matiang’i’s political path has remained closely tied to Raila’s influence and that continued cooperation would be natural within emerging opposition alignments.
“Politically, you will always walk together with Raila Odinga,” Orengo added.
He urged leaders not to delay dialogue, warning that postponing unity talks could weaken the opposition’s ability to influence national direction.
“I don’t want us to postpone this for too long. We must begin talking and come out with one voice,” he said.
