‘ODM must stand alone’ – Orengo warns against forced coalitions
By Kenneth Mwenda, February 8, 2026Siaya Governor James Orengo has delivered a blunt warning to supporters of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), rejecting any attempt to push the party into a coalition it does not believe in.
Speaking in Busia County on Sunday, Orengo said ODM must remain independent and prepare to form the next government on its own terms.
Orengo addressed supporters during a public rally held as part of the Linda Mwananchi grassroots tour. The tour comes at a time when ODM faces growing internal disagreements over its future, particularly over proposals to cooperate with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
The governor made it clear that he would not support any forced political arrangement with the ruling party.
“Nobody will force us to enter into a government we do not agree with,” Orengo told the crowd.
He said ODM must remain firm and field its own presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election.
“ODM must form the next government and must have a presidential candidate,” he added.
Orengo also warned against what he described as secret negotiations aimed at weakening the party. He said ODM belongs to its members and not to individuals who may want to trade it for personal gain.
“Nobody can dare auction the ODM party,” he declared. “Everything that the party will do will come from the people themselves. This party will not be swallowed by any other party.”
The governor went further and urged ODM supporters in Busia to reject leaders involved in behind-the-scenes deals with rival parties.
“We are warning those doing business with our party. When they come here in Busia, do not allow them to come,” Orengo said, drawing loud cheers from the crowd gathered at the stadium.
His remarks reflect deep divisions within ODM following the death of its long-time leader Raila Odinga. While some senior figures argue that the party should join a broad-based government or enter a pre-election pact with UDA, others strongly oppose that direction.
Orengo pushes ODM independence
Orengo has aligned himself with leaders such as Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi. The group argues that alliances with the ruling party would strip ODM of its identity and reduce it to a junior partner.
They insist that ODM has always contested elections independently and should continue that tradition. According to Orengo’s faction, abandoning this path would betray the party’s history and the principles Raila Odinga defended for decades.
The Linda Mwananchi tour seeks to mobilise grassroots supporters and reconnect the party with its base. Orengo and his allies say ODM must focus on its own agenda rather than short-term political deals that could dilute its influence.