Siaya Governor James Orengo is increasingly using his position as a sitting county boss to challenge the growing political relationship between ODM and President William Ruto, setting the stage for a fierce battle over the future of the opposition party.
Unlike ordinary party rebels, Orengo is speaking from one of ODM’s strongest political strongholds and from an elected executive office, giving his criticism added weight within the party. His recent remarks have gone beyond routine political disagreement, evolving into what insiders now see as an organised resistance movement against ODM’s cooperation with Kenya Kwanza.
Through the “Linda Mwananchi” campaign, Orengo has accused sections of ODM leadership of abandoning the party’s opposition identity in exchange for proximity to government. He has repeatedly insisted ODM must remain independent and field its own presidential candidate in 2027 instead of aligning itself with Ruto’s administration.
The governor’s increasingly aggressive tone has exposed deepening divisions within ODM at a sensitive time when succession questions around party leader Raila Odinga continue to grow.
Political observers say Orengo appears to be positioning himself as the ideological defender of ODM’s traditional opposition culture — appealing directly to supporters who feel uneasy about the party’s warming relations with State House.
His controversial declaration that he was the “acting ODM leader” further intensified speculation that a broader internal power struggle is already underway behind the scenes.
Unlike MPs who depend heavily on party leadership for political survival, Orengo’s position as governor gives him greater independence and a stronger grassroots base from which to challenge the party establishment. That advantage has allowed him to openly confront pro-handshake figures without appearing politically isolated.
His allies, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, have amplified the same anti-cooperation message, signalling the possible emergence of a new opposition bloc inside ODM ahead of the 2027 elections.
The growing standoff now threatens to split ODM into two competing camps — one seeking influence through cooperation with the government, and another led by Orengo, pushing for a return to hardline opposition politics.
