Orengo: Oburu has never been on forefront and cannot lead ODM
By Kenneth Mwenda, March 1, 2026Siaya Governor James Orengo has launched a sharp attack on Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Odinga on Sunday, March 1, 2026.
In an interview, Orengo questioned Oburu’s ability to steer the Orange Democratic Movement forward. He argued that Oburu lacks the frontline experience needed for true leadership in a party rooted in struggle.
“Oburu was born into a political family of the grandest of politicians; that was his father,” Orengo said. “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, you know, a police station.”
Orengo contrasted this with the late Raila Odinga, Oburu’s younger brother.
“His father was arrested many times, in detention, in a police station. So it was not by accident that Raila was a true heir.”
Orengo described Oburu as “a good man” and “an honest man.” But he added a strong caveat:
“I think he will not be able to lead the party in the right direction if he’s going to be manipulated by characters within the party, which is a major objective.”
The interviewer pressed Orengo on his own ambitions, whether he could do a better job or consider vying. Orengo replied carefully.
“I can’t say that because I think now we want a united party. And if we want a united party, we should see, we should find a pathway and have a leadership that can enable us to have unity within the party.”
He made his stance clear:
“But I am not afraid to become a party leader. I’m not afraid, you know, to take leadership, even at this time of my political life.”
ODM rift deepens
Orengo stressed the need for strong figures.
“I think there’s a lot still to fight for in the country that needs to have strong leadership. We don’t want, you know, choir masters and praise and worship team. That’s not what Kenya needs at the moment. We need fighters and people who can stand tall, even as they face…”
This outburst fits into a bigger rift inside ODM. Orengo opposes the party’s coalition talks with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA). He has joined the “Linda Mwananchi” group, led by figures like Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
Meanwhile, Oburu and allies push back hard. At a Linda Ground forum in Siaya on February 21, 2026, speakers targeted Orengo. Oburu welcomed back Nicholas Gumbo, a former party member, in what looked like an endorsement for the 2027 gubernatorial race against Orengo.
National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed and others joined in. Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi accused Orengo of neglecting county duties.
“We elected a governor, but he is now missing in action. Our governor has left Siaya and is now moving around outside the county,” Mbadi said.
He predicted Orengo would not win re-election. The attacks highlight Orengo’s isolation in Siaya politics. Critics say his focus on national issues hurts local performance. Some compare his situation to others who challenged powerful figures and lost seats.
Elders in the county now call for Orengo and Oburu to reconcile before the ODM National Delegates Conference to avoid deeper damage to party unity in Luo Nyanza.