Siaya Governor James Orengo has accused President William Ruto of contributing to divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and attempting to transform the party into a regional political outfit.
Speaking during a tour of Homa Bay County on Wednesday, Orengo claimed that Ruto had failed to implement the 10-point agenda agreed upon with the late ODM leader Raila Odinga as part of their cooperation arrangement with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“President Ruto, if you really love Luos—am addressing President Ruto—if you really, really love, you must keep the promises you made to Raila Amolo Odinga. And they are in writing. They are not things which were just said in the air; they were things which were written down: the 10-point agenda. You have not implemented even one,” Orengo said.
The governor argued that the political divisions currently witnessed within ODM were partly a result of what he described as betrayal of the agreement between Raila and President Ruto.
Orengo claimed that the cooperation between ODM and Kenya Kwanza was based on commitments that were never fully honoured, accusing the President of weakening the party by supporting leaders who have taken different political positions.
“Raila said there cannot be a question of coalition until you address the 10-point agenda. President Ruto, I am telling you, you have taken away Raila's party—the strongest party in the Republic of Kenya. You want to turn it into a Luo party,” he said.
He added that Raila Odinga’s political influence would continue despite current challenges facing ODM.
“I can tell you, you can take that party and those useless leaders, but Raila will wake up in another form, in another shape, and in another time, which is today,” Orengo stated.
The governor also accused some political actors of using violence and intimidation to disrupt opposition rallies, saying such tactics should not be tolerated in a democratic society.
His remarks came during his visit to Homa Bay Town, where a section of youths attempted to block his entry into the central business district. Some youths had barricaded the Homa Bay-Rongo road using stones and construction materials, leading to clashes between groups supporting different political sides.
Orengo eventually accessed the town and addressed residents, where he condemned the use of hired groups to interfere with political activities.
He maintained that the Linda Mwananchi faction would continue pushing for its political agenda despite attempts to intimidate its supporters.
