Orengo gives demands to ODM before rushing to strike deal with UDA
By Kenneth Mwenda, January 25, 2026Siaya Governor James Orengo has said the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) cannot enter into any political coalition before fully implementing the conditions set out by the late Raila Odinga.
Orengo made the remarks during a church service in Nairobi on Sunday, January 25, 2026, amid growing debate over possible talks between ODM and President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Orengo urged ODM members to follow Raila’s own words, writings and recorded statements when making decisions about the party’s future. He said Raila clearly outlined what needed to happen before ODM could consider working with other political parties.
“Mtu akitaka kujua ni nini Raila Amollo Odinga alisema, sikia sauti yake, angalia maandishi yake,” Orengo said. He noted that Raila personally signed the March 2025 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with President Ruto, in the presence of ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, but insisted the document did not authorise the formation of a political coalition.
According to Orengo, Raila’s priority was the welfare of ordinary Kenyans, particularly the high cost of living and broader economic hardship. He said Raila made it clear that the MoU focused on addressing citizens’ struggles, not power-sharing arrangements.
Orengo added that Raila set a deadline of March 7, 2026, for the agreed conditions to be fulfilled. Until then, he said, ODM has no basis for signing any coalition agreement, especially with UDA.
“Raila hakusema mambo ya coalition. Alisema haki ya wananchi itimizwe kwanza,” Orengo said, warning party members against being misled into premature political deals.
UDA advances ODM talks
His comments come as UDA moves closer to formal talks with ODM. On January 14, 2026, UDA’s National Executive Committee approved negotiations with ODM as part of preparations for the 2027 general election. The committee reviewed progress on a 10-point agenda drawn from the 2025 MoU.
The agenda includes full implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, inclusive governance through a broad-based administration, and cooperation on political support. UDA has cited developments such as ODM leaders joining government and the tabling of the NADCO report in parliament as signs of progress.
However, Orengo rejected the idea that these steps amount to the fulfilment of Raila’s conditions. He said ODM must first see tangible action on the issues affecting citizens before engaging in coalition talks.
This position reflects wider divisions within ODM since Raila’s death in 2025. Orengo has previously argued that the party should field its own presidential candidate in 2027 and avoid rushing into alliances. Raila’s sister, Ruth Odinga, has also warned against hurried coalition talks.