‘ODM is in govt’ – MP Kaluma differs with top officials on position of Orange party in Ruto’s govt

Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Kaluma has differed with a section of top officials of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) over the position of the party in President William Ruto’s government.

Speaking during an interview with one of the local radio stations, Kaluma maintained that the Orange party is in government.

According to the lawmaker, the officials and other members claiming that the ODM party is in opposition are not being truthful with Kenyans.

Kaluma on Constitution

He further argued that the 2010 Constitution does not have opposition in the current structure of the government.

Kaluma took an issue with Siaya County Governor James Orengo, whom he said is singing about the opposition because he comes from the old constitution.

“Let me clarify a few things. People have been saying ODM is not in government, that ODM is in some imaginary opposition, which I can challenge you to show me that thing you call opposition in our structure of government in our constitution and I will give you Ksh1 million. You will not get it. You must understand people like Orengo coming from the old constitution still singing opposition,” Kaluma said.

Kaluma on ODM’s role in govt

He went ahead to clarify that the ODM party runs a big portfolio in the current government, which cannot allow its members to claim that they are in the opposition.

Kaluma also questioned whether the ODM members who have been claiming to be in opposition are taking Kenyans for fools.

“Let me clarify the following; You have the minister in charge of National Treasury and Economic Planning, a member of ODM. You then have the minister in charge of Mining and Blue Economy, in ODM, meaning all the wealth of the nation under the earth and under the waters are under Hassan Joho, an ODM member. Oparanya, who was a deputy party leader of ODM, is in charge of Cooperatives, and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), meaning all finances beyond mainstream financial institutions are under the charge of ODM,” he stated.

“Wandayi is the minister of Energy and Petroleum Development…. an ODM member, Beatrice Askul, is the Minister for East African Community (EAC) and Regional Integration…Is it that these people who are saying that ODM is not in government are the ones who do not know, or they are taking Kenyans for fools? You cannot have your members running all that portfolio in government and you look at Kenyans in the face and say that you are in the opposition thing.”

Orengo and Sifuna’s call

Kaluma’s remarks come after Governor Orengo and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna urged leaders in the Orange party to uphold the party’s core identity and values.

Orengo made the remarks during the funeral of Roseline Odede, the chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), held in Uyoma, Rarieda Sub-County, on Saturday, January 18, 2025.

Orengo emphasized the need for ODM leaders to prioritize principles over convenience, warning of future repercussions if they compromised the party’s values.

He referenced the late Roseline Odede’s courage in standing against human rights abuses, including abductions and extrajudicial killings.

“We (ODM) have an identity. If you lose that identity for easy victories, we are going to pay for it in the future. If you must make compromises, you must make compromises on matters of principle. Do not be part of praise and worship,” he stated.

Sifuna also used the platform to express his dissatisfaction with a section of ODM leaders who he said were more focused on aligning with President William Ruto’s government than addressing the plight of ordinary Kenyans. Sifuna lamented that such actions have hindered efforts to hold the government accountable.

“We must stop being sycophants. If something is wrong, it is wrong. I will not participate in the activities of my fellow ODM members who are enjoying the fruits of being in Ruto’s government and are stifling my efforts to call out the government,” he said.

Sifuna reiterated the need to uphold the party’s foundational principles, as envisioned by ODM leader Raila Odinga.