Siaya Governor James Orengo has intensified internal wrangles within the Orange Democratic Movement after accusing a section of the party leadership of allegedly aligning ODM with President William Ruto.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV’s JKLive, Orengo alleged that a group within ODM’s “Linda Ground” faction had effectively surrendered the party’s independence by consulting the Head of State on key internal decisions.
The governor, who has recently emerged as a leading voice within the rival “Linda Mwananchi” camp, claimed that several senior ODM officials held meetings with President Ruto to discuss party affairs following the death of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga.
Orengo singled out ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga, Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, Kisii Governor Simba Arati and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, accusing them of attempting to reorganize the party leadership structure without following constitutional procedures.
According to Orengo, the meetings took place shortly after Raila Odinga’s death, at a time when ODM was expected to initiate an internal succession process.
“The willing sellers are a cabal of ODM officials,” Orengo said during the televised interview. “They could not be sitting with President Ruto making decisions about ODM if there was no political arrangement in place.”
The Siaya governor further alleged that President Ruto had become directly involved in ODM activities, including facilitating meetings held at State House and privately hosted gatherings outside Nairobi.
Orengo claimed the ruling administration was financing some ODM functions despite the party allegedly being owed billions in public funding.
“President Ruto is the willing buyer,” he stated. “ODM meetings are being held in State House with the President presiding over them. Even meetings held outside Nairobi are reportedly being facilitated through State resources.”
The remarks are expected to deepen divisions within ODM, where competing factions have recently emerged over the party’s future direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Orengo also addressed his relationship with Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, dismissing suggestions of a personal feud and insisting that the dispute revolves around adherence to party rules and constitutional order.
He argued that ODM failed to activate its succession mechanism after Raila Odinga’s death, claiming the party constitution required one of the deputy party leaders to temporarily assume leadership pending internal elections.
According to Orengo, that process was bypassed, creating what he described as a leadership vacuum within the party.
The governor defended his controversial declaration that he is ODM’s “de facto” leader, saying extraordinary political circumstances had forced him to step forward in order to stabilize the party.
“It is not illegal for me to step up under the current circumstances,” Orengo said. “ODM cannot continue operating without direction while decisions are allegedly being made outside party structures.”
He added that supporters attending recent rallies had encouraged him to take charge and restore the party’s original principles as it prepares for the next electoral cycle.
