Siaya Governor James Orengo has intensified his criticism of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), accusing unnamed party figures he referred to as “auctioneers” of benefiting from deals linked to President William Ruto and demanding they return whatever they received.

In a post shared on X on Saturday, May 9, 2026, shortly after attending a burial in Gem, Siaya County, Orengo said the party must remain true to its principles and leadership discipline, insisting that ODM is now under his control as party leader.

“The overwhelming support we encounter in every corner of this nation fuels our resolve,” Orengo wrote. “As the Linda Mwananchi Movement, we remain committed to building nationwide alliances as we approach the next general election.”

He added that political responsibility must remain within communities and not be outsourced.

“Our community’s interests must be championed by our own, not by outsiders,” he said.

It is his next remarks that have drawn the most attention. Orengo directly challenged internal party actors he accused of benefiting from political arrangements, saying:

“We demand that the ODM Party ‘auctioneers’ return whatever proceeds they received from Ruto; the people are now wide awake.”

He did not give details of the claimed transactions or name those he was referring to.

Orengo also made a strong declaration about his position in the party leadership, saying he is firmly in control of ODM affairs.

“I personally guarantee that ODM is under safe custody as the Party Leader,” he stated.

ODM leadership crisis deepens

The remarks come at a time when ODM is already facing deep internal divisions over leadership and succession. The party has been split between competing factions linked to the Linda Mwananchi and Linda Ground groups, both of which have been holding parallel political meetings across the country.

The leadership question has been a central issue in recent months. Party delegates earlier endorsed changes that elevated Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga to the position of party leader during a National Delegates Convention held in Nairobi. However, Orengo and his allies have rejected the process, arguing that it did not follow proper party rules.

Orengo has previously described himself as the acting and later de facto party leader, arguing that ODM cannot operate without clear interim leadership following the death of long-time leader Raila Odinga.

In earlier remarks, he insisted the dispute is not personal but rooted in principle.

“I don’t have beef with Oburu Oginga; it is not a personal thing,” Orengo said during a televised interview earlier in May 2026. “What we are saying is that ODM must live true to its founding principles and also live by the Constitution.”

He has also maintained that the party has been influenced by external political pressure, particularly from the national government led by Ruto, which he says has complicated internal unity.

In his latest message from Gem, Orengo also took time to honour Mama Margaret Achieng’ Awuor during her burial ceremony, where he stood alongside family and mourners.

“It was a privilege to stand in solidarity with my dear friend Mzee Vitalis Awuor Mbade as we bid her farewell,” he wrote.