Olekina calls for scrutiny of ODM factional tensions
By Cynthia Lodite, April 27, 2026Narok Senator Ledama Olekina urges caution in assessing Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) divisions while questioning backers of ‘Loudest Camp’ amid escalating factional tensions within the party.
In a post on his official X account on Monday, April 27, 2026, Olekina cautioned party members and observers against judging the party’s internal rifts solely by the volume of public noise.
On his part, the Senator has instead called for deeper scrutiny of the interests and backers driving the most vocal group.
“The division in ODM should not be judged by noise alone; the real interests and owners behind the loudest camp must first be understood,” Ledama stated.
ODM leadership tensions deepen
His remarks come at a time when tension has been witnessed in the recent past within the twenty-year-old party, with Siaya Governor James Orengo having taken a more outspoken role within ODM, declaring himself a “people’s party leader” during a recent political address in Kisumu.
At the time, Orengo accused parts of the party leadership of weakening ODM and drifting away from the ideals of the late Raila Odinga.
Orengo also aligned himself with the Linda Mwananchi faction, which has held a series of rallies across the country. At a gathering in Vihiga County, senior leaders, including Senators Edwin Sifuna and Godfrey Osotsi openly endorsed him as a preferred leader within the party.
The endorsement marked a clear split in tone within ODM, with one group rallying behind Orengo’s reformist message while another section, including Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi, warned against what they viewed as attempts to undermine the party’s formal leadership structure.
Atandi urged restraint and said no individual should declare themselves party leader outside established processes.
Oburu Oginga also dismissed Orengo’s claims to the ODM leadership, saying he would not be pressured into stepping down and insisting that his mandate was legitimate and properly given by party members. He sharply rejected Orengo’s self-declaration, saying no individual could appoint themselves party leader outside party structures.
“I don’t care whether somebody goes and declares himself party leader… you can be a party leader of the trees… you can be a party leader of the birds… but you’re certainly not the party leader of ODM,” Oburu said, reinforcing his position as the recognised party leader amid growing internal disputes.
In his earlier remarks, Orengo warned that the party risked losing its identity if it failed to manage internal divisions and external political pressure. He insisted that ODM must remain strong and not become a junior partner in broader political arrangements.
“We must ensure that ODM remains strong, independent, and true to its founding ideals,” he said.
Ledama’s latest comments add another layer to the growing internal debate, framing Orengo’s recent political positioning as part of a long-standing struggle over influence within the Odinga political legacy.