Siaya County Governor James Orengo has stirred up political tension in Nyanza after strongly criticizing ODM leader Raila Odinga. Orengo, who has long been a key figure in ODM, is now speaking against what he sees as betrayal and growing dictatorship within the party.
His remarks have raised eyebrows, especially because they target not only the direction of the party but also its recent cooperation with President William Ruto.
“Gen Zs died in the streets fighting against corruption, yet ODM leaders celebrated with the government.Fearless James Orengo has condemned this betrayal.” He remarked.
Orengo believes that ODM has abandoned its founding principles by working closely with a government he says has failed to respect constitutional freedoms.
In a recent public address, Orengo said that ODM should not settle for the status quo and must challenge power instead of sharing it. He insisted that the party should field its own presidential candidate in 2027 without relying on political deals with rivals.
These views have not gone down well with everyone in ODM. Some leaders have come out to defend Raila and support the decision to join the broad-based government.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga are among those who trust Raila’s leadership and believe that the alliance with Ruto is part of a strategic plan.
But others, like Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi, have openly attacked Orengo, accusing him of mismanaging Siaya County and using national politics to cover up his failures.
Atandi has even gone as far as calling Orengo a poor manager who should focus on his role as governor instead of attacking the party leadership.
Orengo’s message, however, seems to be gaining attention among a section of the public who feel that ODM is no longer fighting for the people like it used to.
His defense of Butere Girls’ High School, after students and teachers were targeted for a school play, has been seen as a strong stance for freedom of expression.
By saying that students do not lose their constitutional rights at the school gate, Orengo made it clear he is willing to speak out against both the government and his own party when rights are being threatened.
While some media reports have described his remarks as a call for an uprising against ODM in Nyanza, there is little evidence of an actual rebellion taking shape.
What is clear is that Orengo is challenging the direction of the party and calling for change from within. His criticism of Raila, someone he has stood beside for decades, marks a serious shift and signals deep cracks within ODM.
Whether this will lead to a political shakeup or just another internal debate remains to be seen, but Orengo’s voice is no longer in line with the rest of the party leadership.
As the 2027 elections approach, ODM will have to manage these divisions carefully. The party’s stronghold in Nyanza could be weakened if leaders continue pulling in different directions.
For now, Orengo has chosen to speak out against what he calls betrayal and dictatorship, and even if the word “uprising” may be an exaggeration, his actions have clearly sparked unrest within the Orange party.
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