Siaya Governor James Orengo has explained why the Linda Mwananchi faction within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will not break away from the party.

Speaking during an interview on Obinna Show Live on the night of Friday, May 22, 2026, conducted from his Nairobi home, Orengo insisted that Linda Mwananchi’s strategy is to drive reforms from within ODM rather than exit.

He said the faction remains committed to protecting and strengthening ODM, arguing that leaving the party would betray the interests of its supporters.

Orengo said the faction believes in defending the party’s ideology and constitutional principles while remaining inside its structures.

“We have a responsibility to the membership. There are people who believe that we must defend and protect the party called ODM as a party,” Orengo said.

He added that many supporters of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga prefer internal reforms rather than splinter groups emerging outside the party.

“There are followers of Raila who will take it against us if we were to walk away from the party. They want us to fight from within the party,” Orengo stated.

Internal reform agenda

According to Orengo, the Linda Mwananchi faction is focused on ensuring that ODM remains aligned with its founding principles as outlined in its constitution, manifesto, and policy documents.

“That is actually the position of Linda Mwananchi: that we want to fight from inside and make sure the party is intact based on the principles which are well spelt out in the constitution,” he said.

The faction, he added, is committed to strengthening internal democracy and accountability within the party.

Claims of majority support

Orengo further claimed that a significant portion of ODM’s grassroots leadership is aligned with the Linda Mwananchi movement.

“I can actually say 80 per cent of the membership of ODM is supporting the Linda Mwananchi faction,” he said.

He also claimed that several party coordinators and chairpersons from different counties are part of the Linda Mwananchi reform push.

“30 chairmen or coordinators of the party called ODM support Linda Mwananchi, including the chairman who comes from Vihiga County,” he noted.

The Siaya governor also said the faction is planning a meeting with the supporting coordinators to further consolidate their position within the party.

“They are 47 in total, and we are soon holding a meeting with them,” he said.

Orengo also referenced former Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere, citing his views on internal party reform as justification for the faction’s strategy of staying within ODM while pushing for change.

“Mwalimu Nyerere alisema kwa mkutano wa CCM kwamba Watanzania wanataka mabadiliko, na wakikosa mabadiliko ndani ya CCM, watazitafuta nje ya CCM,” he said.

The remarks come amid ongoing political realignments within ODM, with internal factions increasingly pushing for influence ahead of future political contests.