“Ruto Needs ODM — Not the Other Way Around”: Governor Orengo Issues Bold Warning to Party Members
PHOTO: Siaya Governor James Orengo
Siaya Governor James Orengo has strongly criticized a section of ODM leaders who are warming up to President William Ruto’s administration under the pretext of a “broad-based government” arrangement. Speaking during the ODM Youth Convention in Mombasa on Friday, Orengo described this behaviour as cowardly and urged the party to remain firm, independent, and committed to representing the needs of ordinary Kenyans.
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Orengo made it clear that in his view, President Ruto is the one who needs ODM to stabilize his political future as the country heads toward the 2027 General Election. According to the governor, the current administration has failed to meet the expectations of Kenyans and is now seeking legitimacy and support from established political parties like ODM.
He stressed that ODM is not dependent on Ruto and should not act as though it is desperate to join government. Instead, he encouraged party members to stay true to ODM’s long-standing identity as a people-centered party and a defender of Kenya’s democratic interests.
“We want a government that is accountable,” Orengo said. “As things stand, it is Ruto who needs ODM—not ODM that needs Ruto. Some leaders are acting like ODM is the one searching for relevance, yet it is clear the government is struggling.”
The governor applauded ODM elder Dr. Oburu Oginga’s statement that the party cannot be swallowed by any political formation. He added that ODM must not be misled into believing that the so-called broad-based arrangement is a legitimate or binding political agreement.
Orengo argued that similar liberation parties across Africa have collapsed because they abandoned the people who supported them. He warned ODM leaders not to lose sight of the party’s roots or compromise its mission for political convenience.
“ODM is a party by the people and for the people,” he said. “There is nothing in law or politics called a broad-based government the way some are trying to present it. ODM cannot allow itself to be weakened.”
He then posed a provocative question to party members: If ODM helped President Ruto secure another term in 2027, what future would remain for the party itself?
“I don’t understand why some in ODM are becoming fearful,” he said. “A strong political party must be clear about its direction. We cannot start saying we will join government or that we will be the next government without a clear strategy. ODM must decide who we are and what we stand for.”
Orengo also reinforced Raila Odinga’s message on unity and the importance of involving young people in shaping the party’s future. He praised Raila’s legacy, boldly stating that the ODM leader has had a greater impact on Kenya’s political history than any of the country’s past presidents.
“Raila Odinga has left a legacy bigger than that of Kenyatta, Moi, Kibaki, Uhuru, or even Ruto,” Orengo said. “He did not leave us to chase positions in a broad-based government. He wanted ODM to remain the voice of the people, and that is why ODM still leads the opposition both in the National Assembly and in the Senate.”
The youth convention served as a build-up event for ODM’s 20th-anniversary celebrations scheduled for Saturday, November 15. The gathering not only honoured Raila Odinga’s long political journey but also offered young party members a platform to participate in shaping ODM’s next chapter.
As the party looks ahead to 2027, Orengo’s remarks served as a strong reminder that ODM’s strength lies in remaining united, courageous, and loyal to its founding principles—standing with the people, speaking truth to power, and resisting political intimidation.
ODM now faces a defining moment: either stand firm as a people-driven movement or risk losing its identity in the shifting tides of national politics.
