Orengo questions legitimacy of Oburu’s ODM leadership, says it was unofficial
By Emmanuel Rono, May 27, 2026Siaya Governor James Orengo has opposed Oburu Odinga as the legitimate party leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM Party), terming his position completely unofficial.
Speaking during an interview with a local media outlet on Monday, May 26, 2026, Orengo argued that Oburu’s emergence as a party leader did not follow formal or transparent procedures, insisting that the move was driven by a few individuals rather than the party membership.
“What Oburu did, how he became party leader, is completely unofficial,” Orengo said. “Governor Wanga had confirmed what I had always said: that when that position was imposed on Oburu, he was not aware. He was just declared by individuals.”
People’s party leader
According to Orengo, the appointment was not properly constituted within the ODM party’s structures.
He defended his declaration as the acting party leader, stating that the people declared him the party leader before he declared himself.
Orengo claimed ODM was at risk of being “sold to political enemies”, warning that he would spearhead an internal push to safeguard its legacy and influence.
“In our Linda Mwananchi rallies, ‘the party leader’ was just coming up as a chorus and so what do I do, I declared,” Orengo said.
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.
Oburu’s ratification
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.
Delegates overwhelmingly backed Oburu’s leadership, affirming confidence in his ability to steer the party forward during a period of heightened political activity.
The National Delegates convention hereby ratifies Senator Oburu Odinga as the national party leader of the Orange Democratic Party,” Wanga announced.