Orengo vows to protect ODM, says Luo community must aim for presidency
By Mustafa Juma, May 10, 2026Siaya Governor James Orengo has reaffirmed his commitment to defending the integrity of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Orengo has also urged the Luo community to remain ambitious and continue pursuing the country’s top leadership position.
In a statement shared via his official X account on Sunday, May 10, 2026, after attending a church service at Ongalo ACK Parish, Orengo said his resolve to stand for truth and safeguard ODM remained “unshakeable”.
Role of church leaders
The Siaya governor linked his political stance to the historical role played by church leaders who openly challenged injustice and spoke truth to power.
He praised former religious figures such as Henry Okullu and Alexander Muge for their courage, saying today’s church leadership must continue carrying that legacy.
Orengo particularly commended Bishop Charles Ong’injo, saying his leadership reflected integrity and boldness.
“The church remains a moral compass for our nation, historically rooted in the courage of leaders like Bishop Henry Okullu and Alexander Muge, who fearlessly spoke truth to power. Today, that legacy of integrity and boldness is carried forward by Bishop Charles Ong’injo, whose leadership I deeply admire and celebrate,” Orengo stated.
Luo Community’s political future
Orengo, who is part of the ODM Party rebel faction, Linda Mwananchi, also made a strong political statement about the future of the Luo community, arguing that the community should not lower its political aspirations.
“Inspired by this heritage, my own resolve to stand for the truth and protect the integrity of the ODM Party remains unshakable. As a community, we must reclaim our ambition; we are a people destined for the highest office in the land, not a people meant to survive on handouts,” he stated.
Orengo further argued that development projects reaching various regions should not be viewed as political favours from the government.
According to him, all citizens are constitutionally entitled to equal development and state services regardless of political affiliation.
“The development reaching our region is not a favor or a gift from the state, it is an inherent right guaranteed to us as equal citizens of this republic,” Orengo stated.
Orengo had attended a service at Ongalo ACK Parish, where Phoebe Odhiambo was installed as the Vicar of Ongalo Parish and Dean of Lower Maseno Deanery.
The ceremony was presided over by Bishop Charles Ong’injo and brought together faithful, clergy, and local leaders.
Orengo’s remarks come at a time when ODM is experiencing heightened internal debates over leadership, regional influence, and political direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Several leaders within the party have recently made public statements defending ODM’s identity, criticising internal wrangles, and discussing the future political ambitions of various communities.