James Orengo Accuses Wanga, Junet and Other ODM Leaders of Selling Party to Ruto

Siaya Governor James Orengo has increased pressure inside the ODM party after accusing some senior leaders of working closely with President William Ruto and abandoning the party’s mission.

Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV’s JKLive show, Orengo claimed that a group within ODM known as “Linda Ground” has been making important party decisions with support from President Ruto.

Orengo, who is linked to the rival “Linda Mwananchi” camp, mentioned several ODM leaders, including Gladys Wanga, Junet Mohamed, Simba Arati and Abdulswamad Nassir. He accused them of secretly meeting with President Ruto to discuss the future leadership of ODM after the death of Raila Odinga.

“The willing sellers are a group of ODM officials,” Orengo said during the interview.

According to the Siaya governor, President Ruto has become heavily involved in ODM matters through meetings held at State House and other private locations.

Orengo further claimed that some ODM activities are being supported financially by the President despite the party facing financial challenges.

The accusations come at a time when ODM is facing internal divisions following Raila Odinga’s death. Different factions within the party are now fighting over leadership and the direction ODM should take before the 2027 General Election.

Orengo also spoke about his relationship with Oburu Oginga, denying reports that they have personal differences. He said the disagreement is only about following the ODM constitution correctly.

He argued that after Raila’s death, ODM failed to follow party rules because one of the deputy party leaders should have automatically taken over temporarily before elections are held.

“Because there cannot be a leadership vacuum, I am currently the de facto ODM party leader,” Orengo stated.

The governor defended his decision to publicly declare himself as the acting leader, saying the party needed direction during a difficult moment.

According to Orengo, many ODM supporters attending recent rallies have encouraged him to step in and help restore the party’s original vision.

The ongoing wrangles have exposed serious divisions between the “Linda Mwananchi” group associated with leaders such as Edwin Sifuna and James Orengo, and the “Linda Ground” faction linked to Oburu Oginga and other senior ODM officials.

The tensions became worse after the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal temporarily stopped attempts to remove Sifuna from his position as ODM Secretary-General. The tribunal ruled that the process may not have followed the correct party procedures.

Despite the internal fights, ODM leaders are still trying to reorganise the party ahead of the 2027 elections through grassroots campaigns, internal reforms and possible cooperation with other opposition parties.

However, Orengo warned that ODM could lose its identity if it becomes too close to President Ruto’s government.

He urged party supporters to protect ODM’s ideology and avoid politics based only on personal interests and power.

The latest remarks are expected to increase political tensions inside ODM as the battle for leadership and control of the party continues.