Siaya Governor James Orengo at Raila Odinga's home in Opoda Farm, Bondo, on November 6, 2025. /JAMES ORENGO/X
Siaya Governor James Orengo has cautioned the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) against merging with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) under the banner of fostering national unity.
Speaking in Bondo at Raila Odinga’s Opoda Farm home, Orengo said the party must safeguard its independence even as it maintains a working relationship with UDA — an arrangement initiated by the late ODM leader Raila Odinga before his death on October 15.
“Let us not kill political parties,” he said.
“Sisi kama ODM, msifanye makosa ya kumezwa (As ODM, let’s not make the mistake of being swallowed).”
Orengo was among a delegation of Nyanza leaders who received Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and his team during their visit to pay homage to Raila.
Kalonzo honoured his longtime ally by presenting 100 head of cattle to the Odinga family.
Orengo was part of a delegation of Nyanza leaders who received Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka at Raila's home.The Siaya governor recalled that past political mergers had led to the collapse of once-prominent parties such as Kadu, PNU and the original DP, warning that similar outcomes could occur if ODM is not vigilant.
Orengo added that to safeguard Kenya’s democratic future, the country needs a strong and independent opposition that is not influenced by those in power.
“In a strong Kenya to come, we need a strong Wiper, and we also need a strong ODM — not controlled by anybody in power, but guided by the laws of the land,” he said.
Raila’s death has triggered debate over ODM’s future direction, with divisions emerging within the party’s top ranks on whether to sustain or end its cooperation with UDA.
One faction believes ODM should continue working with the ruling party until at least 2027, in line with Raila’s vision when he entered a framework agreement with President William Ruto on March 7.
Another faction, however, wants the party to chart an independent course.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who also serves as ODM’s secretary general, has been among the most vocal critics of the continued partnership, insisting that the party should field its own presidential candidate in 2027, in keeping with Raila’s legacy.
In contrast, acting ODM leader Oburu Odinga, Suna East MP Junet Mohammed and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga have dismissed suggestions that the party might leave the broad-based government, saying Raila’s political strategy envisioned sustained cooperation.
“In his own wisdom, he led us into the broad-based government. We shall not deviate from his vision,” Oburu said on Wednesday during a memorial service for Raila at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay County.
“We will never be in opposition again as the ODM party. We will form or be part of the government, with like-minded formations,” the Siaya senator said.
Oburu urged party members across the country to remain united and focus on strengthening ODM, while encouraging young people, especially Generation Z, to register as voters ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We want ODM to remain united and stable. We must all work together to make it stronger,” he said.
