Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader Oburu Oginga has revealed that Catholic Archbishop Emeritus Zacchaeus Okoth is currently mediating between him and Siaya Governor James Orengo amid growing differences within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

Speaking during an interview on a local station on Thursday, May 28, 2026, Oburu dismissed claims of a serious fallout within the party, maintaining that he does not hold any personal grudge against the Siaya governor.

He stated that the mediation process through Bishop Okoth was aimed at fostering understanding and dialogue within the party leadership.

“Bishop Okoth is mediating between James Orengo and me,” Oburu said.

Personal conflict with Orengo?

The ODM leader further explained that he had no personal dispute with Orengo, insisting that his leadership position within the party followed the right process.

“I do not have any personal issue with Orengo at the party. I was elected in a straight process,” he stated.

Oburu added that he was ready to engage through the bishop as part of efforts to address the ongoing disagreement and maintain unity within ODM.

The remarks come at a time when divisions within the party continue to emerge following recent debates over ODM leadership and the party’s engagement with the broad-based government arrangement.

Orengo questions Oburu’s leadership

The mediation revelation follows recent remarks by Orengo, who questioned the legitimacy of Oburu’s leadership in ODM.

Speaking during a separate interview earlier this week, Orengo argued that Oburu’s emergence as party leader did not follow proper party procedures, terming the process unofficial.

“What Oburu did, how he became party leader, is completely unofficial,” Orengo stated.

The governor claimed the leadership position had been declared by a few individuals rather than through formal party structures.

Despite the criticism, Oburu was officially ratified as ODM party leader during the party’s National Delegates Convention held at Jamhuri Park in Nairobi on March 27, 2026.

Delegates at the convention endorsed leadership changes within the party and backed Oburu’s leadership at a time ODM continues to navigate internal political debates and coalition discussions ahead of the 2027 general election.

The latest remarks now signal possible reconciliation efforts within the party as senior leaders seek to calm growing tensions.