Elders in Siaya County have urged Governor James Orengo and Senator Dr Oburu Oginga to reconcile their differences ahead of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) National Delegates Conference (NDC), warning that the dispute threatens party unity and regional stability.

Led by former Kisumu mayor Mzee Onyango Radier, the elders cautioned that the public fallout between the two leaders is damaging ODM’s image in Luo Nyanza and beyond.

“The public fallout between Governor Orengo and Senator Oburu is tarnishing ODM’s image in Luo Nyanza and beyond. This rift undermines party cohesion and risks weakening ODM’s national influence,” Radier said, adding that elders are prepared to intervene if necessary.

Former Bondo County Council chairman Naftali Akelo Gwela noted that grassroots supporters are already feeling the impact of the feud.

“We have seen past losses linked to internal conflicts, and we cannot afford to repeat those mistakes,” he said.

ODM Gem Constituency vice chairman Peter Ombe urged Governor Orengo to reconnect with local party structures.

“Governor Orengo should re-engage with local party structures instead of operating in isolation. Unity at the grassroots is the foundation of ODM’s strength,” he remarked.

Other elders, including Albert Mitere Onyango, Rose Angule, and Benta Adhiambo, echoed the call for unity, stressing that delegates should not attend the NDC divided.

“We must go to Nairobi as one family,” they said collectively.

The elders also appealed to younger party members to refrain from online attacks, warning that reckless social media behaviour is worsening divisions.

Their intervention comes amid growing speculation over ODM’s internal dynamics ahead of the NDC, where key decisions on leadership and strategy are expected.

Both Orengo and Oburu wield significant influence in Siaya and within ODM, raising concerns among supporters about the party’s ability to maintain cohesion.

Orengo-Oburu feud

The feud between the two leaders emanated from disagreements over the direction the party should take in preparation for the 2027 General Election, especially following the death of the late ODM leader Raila Odinga.

The wrangles have since led to a split within the party, with two factions emerging: the Linda Ground camp, led by Oburu Odinga, and the Linda Mwananchi faction, led by Edwin Sifuna, which James Orengo is also associated with.

Orengo’s hardline stance against Oburu over the party’s 2027 preparedness appears to have triggered fresh political realignments. In what many interpret as a direct response, Oburu seemingly endorsed former Nicholas Gumbo — a former Rarieda MP and runner-up in the 2022 Siaya gubernatorial race — to challenge the outspoken governor in 2027.