Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party acting secretary general and Busia woman representative Catherine Omanyo has launched a scathing attack on Siaya Governor James Orengo, accusing him of disregarding constitutional procedures by declaring himself the de facto leader of the Linda Mwananchi faction within the party.

Speaking in a morning interview with K24 TV on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, Omanyo said Orengo’s actions were not only unconstitutional but also risked sowing confusion and division among party members.

“He has the constitution in his head, his body and everything about Orengo. I thought it was a constitution until he did that. He is letting himself down as a senior counsel. You don’t go to the roadside and declare what you are. If he truly can go back and read the Constitution, then he knows that he is very wrong,” Omanyo said.

The legislator has further expressed disappointment that a seasoned lawyer of Orengo’s stature would publicly proclaim himself a party leader without following established party structures and democratic processes.

According to Omanyo, leadership positions within ODM cannot be assumed through public declarations or roadside pronouncements but must be earned through the laid-down legitimate party mechanisms.

Omanyo accused Orengo of engaging in what she termed “petty politics” aimed at creating uncertainty within the party ranks.

“He is playing petty politics of bringing confusion and division. We will not allow that anymore,” she said.

The lawmaker insisted that ODM members must respect the party’s constitution and internal democratic structures, warning against attempts by individuals to elevate themselves into leadership positions without following the due process and endorsement from the party members.

She argued that if Orengo genuinely wishes to lead the party, he should subject himself to a democratic election process during the party’s next National Delegates Conference (NDC), when elections will be held.

“Nobody should just jump out and claim to be. If he wants to be a party leader, he should wait for the NDC and also put his name there so people can decide because we will elect,” Omanyo added.

Linda Mwananchi endorses Orengo as Party leader

Leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement faction of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have publicly endorsed Siaya Governor James Orengo as the party’s preferred leader.

Led by Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, the leaders publicly praised Orengo at a charged Linda Mwananchi rally in Luanda, Vihiga County, on Saturday, April 25, 2026, where Osotsi and Sifuna openly floated his name, declaring that he was their preferred party leader.

During the rally, Orengo’s supporters described him as a seasoned statesman capable of steering the party through its next political chapter, with some leaders suggesting that he already embodies the ideological direction ODM should take going forward.

“James Orengo si anatosha kuwa rais? Sasa kama tuko na Orengo, ni mzee mwingine mgani tunahitaji? Na mimi nataka kuunga mkono kuwa mheshimiwa Orengo wewe sasa ndio party leader wa ODM,” Osotsi said.