Siaya politics have exploded into a public showdown as Senator Oburu Odinga launched a fierce attack on Governor James Orengo, exposing growing cracks within ODM’s top leadership.
Oburu’s scathing remarks, made during a church service in Migori alongside President William Ruto, dared Orengo to quit ODM if unhappy with its political direction.
The senator, visibly angered by Orengo’s repeated criticism of ODM members serving in Ruto’s government, accused the governor of sabotaging the party from within.
This confrontation signals a deepening rift, with implications that could shake ODM’s stronghold in Luo Nyanza ahead of the next elections.
Oburu Attacks Orengo for Undermining ODM Unity
In a hard-hitting response, Senator Oburu Odinga did not mince his words as he took on Siaya Governor James Orengo over his open hostility toward the ODM’s partnership with President Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration.
Oburu made it clear that the party’s decision to engage with Ruto was a collective move, reached after wide consultations and driven by the need to secure development for the region. Speaking pointedly, he reminded Orengo that personal grievances should not override party unity.
“When my governor says he is annoyed and claims he just wants to speak the truth, I ask myself: what truth?” Oburu fired back, challenging the basis of Orengo’s criticism.
The senator’s remarks, delivered in front of President Ruto, were sharp and unapologetic. He accused Orengo of disrespecting the party’s strategy and weakening its position by persistently attacking ODM members who have taken up roles in Ruto’s government.
“Those who think this broad-based government is wrong are vomiting on us from within. Why don’t they step outside and vomit there?” Oburu said in a blunt dismissal of internal dissent.
Oburu defended ODM’s decision to sign a 10-point agreement with Kenya Kwanza, stressing it was about fighting for resources and development opportunities that the Luo Nyanza region badly needs.
“We were elected to fight for the rights of our people, and that is exactly what we are doing,” he stated.
Orengo’s Relentless Criticism Sparks Outrage
Governor Orengo has consistently opposed ODM’s collaboration with Ruto’s government. In a funeral service held in Siaya on April 12, Orengo made it clear that he would not join what he called the “praise-singing bandwagon” for Ruto’s administration.
“I cannot be a praise-singer. We fought for a democratic constitution where people should speak freely. This country will go to the dogs again if the current language of deceit continues,” Orengo warned.
He insisted that any projects or developments coming to Siaya County were rights, not favors, and accused the national government of using development as political bait.
Most recently, during a rally on April 30, Orengo accused the Ruto administration of plotting to interfere with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), suggesting it was laying the groundwork for rigging the 2027 general elections.
“We are heading for trouble unless we properly restructure the IEBC. Free and fair elections face a serious threat,” Orengo declared.
His defiant stance has earned him applause from ODM hardliners but has also stirred tension within the party, particularly with those aligned to the current handshake between Raila Odinga’s camp and Kenya Kwanza.
Battle Lines Drawn in ODM as Oburu Attacks Orengo
Oburu’s attack lays bare a deeper battle within ODM—one between pragmatists seeking to secure government resources and ideologues who see any cooperation with Ruto as betrayal.
Oburu questioned Orengo’s priorities, saying governors should focus on delivering services, not waging endless political wars.
“A governor is given resources to deliver services. This is the time to serve, not to fight for rights. What rights other than what they eat?” Oburu asked pointedly.
He further challenged Orengo to define exactly what battles he wanted to fight, reminding him that real progress comes from tangible development such as roads, hospitals, electricity, and clean water.
“If you want to fight, there is plenty of space elsewhere. But in the governor’s office, your mandate is clear—deliver services,” Oburu said.
By framing Orengo’s resistance as destructive rather than constructive, Oburu signaled a shift toward a more development-focused ODM, even if it means uncomfortable alliances.
ODM Rifts Could Reshape Luo Nyanza Politics
The confrontation between Oburu and Orengo is more than just personal—it signals potential realignments in Luo Nyanza’s political landscape.
Although many have long viewed Orengo as one of ODM’s most principled stalwarts, Oburu’s public dressing-down may embolden ODM members eager to work with Ruto’s government for tangible gains.
As President Ruto frequently visits Nyanza and pledges development, ODM faces unprecedented pressure to balance opposition with collaboration.
The coming months will reveal whether ODM can hold its ranks together or whether divisions like those between Oburu and Orengo will fracture the party’s once-solid unity.
