ODM fires back at Orengo over political parties’ fund claims
By Kenneth Mwenda, May 5, 2026The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has hit back at Siaya Governor James Orengo over his claims about a long-running legal battle on political party funding, exposing fresh tensions within the party.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, ODM rejected Orengo’s assertion that he personally initiated the case that led to the determination of billions owed to the party by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP).
Orengo had, a day earlier, defended his role in the matter after remarks by ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga during a retreat in Mombasa. He said it was “a matter of public record” that he filed the case on behalf of the party.
“The Ksh12 billion figure exists today only because of the ruling in the case I filed,” Orengo said in a statement shared on May 4, 2026.
The self-proclaimed ODM party leader also criticised a section of ODM members, linked to the Linda Ground faction, for demanding the funds while attacking him. “It is ironical to see the ‘Linda Tumbo’ group now demanding these funds… without acknowledging the legal groundwork I laid,” he added.
But ODM’s leadership has now challenged that account, saying the decision to file the case came from the party’s National Executive Committee.
“We need to set the record straight regarding the Political Parties Fund case that the Party successfully litigated,” the statement read. “We have noted the claim by Gov. James Orengo that he personally initiated the matter. With respect, that position is not accurate.”
ODM said its records show that the committee formally resolved to file the case on behalf of the party. It added that Orengo joined later as a senior member to provide legal services on a pro bono basis.
“At the material time, Gov. Orengo was brought on board… to offer legal services on a pro bono basis. That was the clear understanding,” the party said.
The statement then outlined how the arrangement changed. ODM accused Orengo of introducing the law firm of Julie Soweto instead of filing the case through his own firm.
“From that point, the character of the engagement shifted from what had been understood as a pro bono undertaking into a contractual legal arrangement,” ODM said.
Legal fees dispute escalates
The party confirmed that after winning the case at the High Court in 2016 and the Court of Appeal in 2018, the law firm demanded payment. ODM said it paid Ksh40 million to Soweto’s firm.
“The demand came as a surprise to everyone, including the Party leader, the late Raila Odinga, who branded Orengo and his team ‘mercenaries’,” the statement added. “There was nothing ‘pro bono’.”
ODM further claimed that there is a clear documentary trail showing payments made to Orengo and his associates.
The dispute has since escalated into another legal battle. ODM said it is currently facing a claim of more than Ksh350 million from the same law firm in the High Court over legal fees.
“The Party now finds itself embroiled in an ongoing legal dispute… with a claim of more than Ksh350 million,” the statement said.
ODM also questioned Orengo’s conduct as a senior lawyer, pointing to professional standards.
“As a Senior Counsel, Gov. Orengo should know that he is bound by the Professional Ethics standards of Advocate-Client confidentiality,” the party said. “The very least act we expect of him is also to acknowledge that he was paid.”
The exchange highlights growing divisions within ODM. The party has in recent weeks split into rival camps, each accusing the other of undermining its position.
Amid the wrangles, Oburu Odinga has called for unity. He urged members to focus on the party’s future instead of internal fights.
“Our strength has always been our diversity, but that strength is only realised when we embrace each other,” Oburu said. “We can disagree on policy without disregarding our shared purpose.”