Orengo: ODM Must Stand Alone and Produce Its Own Presidential Candidate

Siaya Governor James Orengo has strongly warned supporters of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) against pushing the party into political coalitions it does not support.

Speaking during a public rally in Busia County on Sunday, Orengo said ODM must remain independent and prepare to compete for power on its own terms rather than being forced into alliances.

He addressed residents during the Linda Mwananchi grassroots tour, a campaign aimed at strengthening ODM’s connection with its supporters. His remarks come amid rising internal disagreements within the party, especially over proposals to cooperate with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Orengo made it clear that he would not back any political arrangement imposed on ODM.

“No one will force us into a government we do not agree with,” he told the crowd.

The governor insisted that ODM should field its own presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election and focus on forming the next government independently.

“ODM must produce a presidential candidate and work towards forming the next government,” he added.

He also warned against what he described as secret political negotiations aimed at weakening the party from within. According to Orengo, ODM belongs to its members and not individuals who may want to trade it for personal benefit.

“Nobody can sell or auction ODM. The direction of this party must come from the people,” he said, adding that ODM would not be absorbed by any other political outfit.

Orengo further urged ODM supporters in Busia to reject leaders engaging in behind-the-scenes deals with rival parties.

“We are warning those doing business with our party. When they come here, do not welcome them,” he said, as supporters responded with loud cheers.

His statements highlight growing divisions within ODM following the death of its long-time leader Raila Odinga. While some senior party figures believe ODM should join a broad-based government or form a pre-election alliance with UDA, others strongly oppose that idea.

Orengo has aligned himself with leaders such as Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi. This group argues that working with the ruling party would weaken ODM’s identity and reduce it to a secondary political force.

They maintain that ODM has historically contested elections independently and should continue on that path, saying that abandoning this tradition would betray the party’s history and the ideals Raila Odinga championed for decades.

The Linda Mwananchi tour is aimed at mobilising grassroots supporters and refocusing the party on its core agenda. Orengo and his allies believe ODM should prioritise its own vision rather than short-term political deals that could dilute its influence.