Siaya Governor James Orengo has declared that he is the acting party leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), escalating the ongoing leadership dispute within the party.

Speaking on Sunday, April 19, 2026, during a Linda Mwananchi rally at Mazembe Grounds in Nakuru, Orengo said the party leadership structure remains unclear following internal disagreements and recent changes.

“Niambie secretary general, katibu mkuu ya ODM ni nani? Na kwa sababu Oburu hawezi, sasa Orengo is the acting party leader of ODM,” he said.

His remarks drew attention from supporters at the rally, where ODM leaders aligned to the Linda Mwananchi faction repeated concerns about the direction of the party.

Orengo said ODM had drifted from its original principles and accused some leaders of failing to provide clear direction. He argued that leadership must reflect discipline and experience in political struggle.

Orengo questions ODM leadership

In earlier remarks, Orengo questioned the ability of current party leadership to guide ODM through internal and national challenges.

“Oburu was born into a political family of the grandest of politicians; that was his father. Most of his father’s life, he was in the political background. He never really was in the forefront. He never tasted tear gas. He’s never been inside a police station,” he said in a previous interview.

Orengo contrasted Oburu Odinga’s background with that of the late Raila Odinga, saying struggle defined real leadership in the party.

“His father was arrested many times, in detention, in a police station. So it was not by accident that Raila was a true heir,” he said.

“I think there’s a lot still to fight for in the country that needs strong leadership. We don’t want choir masters and praise and worship teams. That is not what Kenya needs at the moment. We need fighters and people who can stand tall,” he said.

ODM leadership disputes

Oburu Odinga was officially ratified as ODM party leader at a National Delegates Convention held at Jamhuri Park in Nairobi on March 27, 2026. The delegates also endorsed leadership changes within the party structure.

Despite the ratification, Orengo has maintained that the process did not follow proper party procedures.

The latest remarks from Nakuru further deepen the rift within ODM, where competing factions continue to hold parallel rallies and issue conflicting statements on leadership and party direction.

During the same Linda Mwananchi rally in Nakuru, Sifuna said the death of Albert Ojwang in police custody marked the end of any working arrangement between ODM and UDA. He said he took that position because of his stand on the incident and maintained that he would not shift his view despite internal pressure.

“Siku ile Albert Ojwang aliuliwa, hiyo ndio ilikuwa mwisho wa mkataba wa UDA na ODM,” he said.

He also referred to the death of Brayo Odhiambo, saying no justice had been served in the cases he raised.