In a decisive move ahead of the 2027 general election, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader Oburu Oginga has warned political aspirants that the era of patronage is over, declaring that no politician will secure the party’s ticket by riding on his coattails. ​

Speaking in Siaya town on Saturday, June 27, 2026, during a fundraiser for the KUPPET branch center, Oburu dismantled expectations of favouritism at the party’s headquarters.

“Don’t bother looking for that power at the headquarters. Look for it with the membership of the party at the grassroots,” Oburu asserted. “Nobody is going to hang on my coat.”

He further defended ODM’s national footprint, stating that it is “not a small party” and will grow “stronger and stronger.” ​The event quickly escalated into a platform for fierce accountability as subsequent speakers turned their sights on Siaya Governor James Orengo’s recent participation in Nairobi street demonstrations, where he was spotted riding a motorbike. ​

Leaders blast Orengo’s priorities

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi led the charge, contrasting the governor’s actions with stark local development deficits.

“I see a whole governor riding a motorbike… roaming around the entire town pretending to protest,” CS Wandayi told the crowd.

“And meanwhile, the citizens of Siaya are suffering due to a lack of equipment in hospitals, lack of medicine, and lack of water.” ​

Ugenya MP David Ochieng also scathingly criticised the demonstration antics while simultaneously launching a fierce assault on Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over alleged tribal biases against the Luo community.

“We will not go to queue behind a tribalist like Gachagua,” Ochieng stated.

Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo questioned Orengo’s priorities.

“Orengo should better know he was elected to do some development in Siaya… not to step on a motorbike in the streets of Nairobi,” Odhiambo remarked sharply, officially calling upon the EACC to investigate whether county funds were misused to sponsor the urban protests.