Siaya Governor James Orengo has launched a fierce attack on President William Ruto, accusing him of meddling in the internal affairs of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) amid growing tensions within the party.
Speaking on Thursday, February 12, 2026, during a press conference convened to address the removal of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as ODM Secretary General, Orengo dismissed critics of Sifuna and insisted that the embattled leader remains a legitimate voice within the party.
Orengo Defends Sifuna
“I shudder to think that mere minions, people who have no legitimacy in the entire country, can dare talk about Sifuna. He speaks for the party,” Orengo said.
The governor described Sifuna as a committed defender of ODM’s ideals and suggested that his removal was part of a broader scheme to weaken the party from within.
Orengo’s remarks add to the widening rift within ODM, with several leaders openly challenging the decision by the National Executive Committee (NEC) to relieve Sifuna of his duties.
Claims of State Interference
Orengo directly accused President Ruto of interfering in ODM’s internal matters, alleging that external forces were attempting to influence the party’s direction.
He revealed that he had previously cautioned Ruto against undermining political parties, recounting an encounter shortly after the President’s election. According to Orengo, he warned that destabilising opposition parties would be detrimental to Kenya’s democratic framework.
While he did not provide specific details of the alleged interference, his comments suggest growing suspicion within sections of ODM about the role of the ruling establishment in the party’s internal disputes.
ODM’s Leadership Crisis
Sifuna was removed as Secretary General during a NEC meeting held in Mombasa on February 11, 2026. The decision has sparked sharp divisions within the party, with some leaders backing the move and others questioning its legality and motives.
Orengo’s vocal defence of Sifuna positions him among a faction that views the ouster as unjust and potentially influenced by external political interests.
As Kenya edges closer to the 2027 General Election, political alignments are rapidly shifting. ODM’s internal stability will be critical in shaping opposition politics and coalition negotiations.
Orengo’s remarks underscore the high political stakes involved and signal that the battle for control and direction of ODM is far from over.
With senior leaders now openly trading accusations, the unfolding developments could significantly reshape Kenya’s political landscape in the months ahead.
