By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 16 December 2025 - As Kenya approaches the 2027 general election, political fault lines are becoming sharper, with all eyes on the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) which is on transition mode following the demise of longtime party leader and former prime minister Raila Amolo Odinga.
Siaya Governor James Orengo has emerged as a vocal critic of what he sees as the ruling government’s attempts to co-opt his party.
“President William Ruto needs ODM, it is not ODM that needs Ruto,” Orengo declared, stressing that the president has not fulfilled the expectations of the people and that the party must reclaim its independence. Other leaders with views like Orengo's insist that the head of state must work round the clock to fulfill the 10-point agenda as captured in the NADCO report.
He insists that any engagement with the government should be transparent and principled, warning that vague deals risk eroding the party’s influence and leaving it politically impotent after the polls.
Orengo has also challenged party members who appear too willing to cozy up to the ruling coalition and the broad-based arrangement.
“We cannot let our party’s identity be diluted by over-accommodation. We must negotiate from a position of strength,” he said.
For him, party autonomy is not a matter of ideology alone — it is essential for long-term electoral relevance, ensuring that ODM can assert itself as a formidable force capable of fielding its own candidates and shaping national discourse independently.
Orengo framed his warnings in the context of Kenya’s historical political lessons.
“The people must see clear commitments, not shadowy promises; otherwise, we risk repeating past mistakes where communities were sidelined,” he emphasised.
His message resonates with grassroots activists who fear that ODM’s legacy and voice could be undermined if the party fails to negotiate boldly and transparently with the incumbent administration.
And Oburu Oginga, the new ODM party leader, has been at pains to assert that ODM remains cohesive and ready for the upcoming elections.
“Our party is intact and united; speculation about splits is unfounded,” he declared, emphasising that internal debate is a natural part of democratic practice and does not signal division.
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Oburu’s message seeks to reassure members and supporters that the party’s organisational structure and strategic direction are secure, even as it navigates coalition politics.
Oburu highlighted the strength of ODM’s grassroots network as evidence of its resilience.
“From Nyanza to the Rift Valley, our presence is strong and our members committed; the party is more than any one disagreement,” he said.
In framing internal discussions as constructive rather than destructive, he aimed to bolster confidence in the party’s capacity to contest the 2027 elections vigorously and maintain influence within national politics.
On Monday, Oburu linked the party’s unity to its founding legacy, asserting that ODM draws strength from its history and ideals.
“We honor the vision of our founders by staying united and disciplined; this is how we remain competitive and relevant,” he stated.
His comments underline the strategic choice facing the party: to channel debate into cohesion and effective campaigning rather than allow disagreements to fragment its electoral power.
The contrasting positions of Orengo and Oburu illustrate a critical tension within the party. Orengo’s insistence on transparency and independence pushes for a strong, autonomous opposition capable of negotiating from a position of principle.
Oburu’s focus on unity and strategic discipline emphasises organisational resilience and the capacity to remain influential while engaging with broader coalitions.
This interplay of perspectives will shape not only the party’s internal dynamics but also Kenya’s broader electoral landscape.
How ODM balances assertiveness with cohesion, independence with strategic partnerships, will define its trajectory in the run-up to 2027 and determine its role in the national political arena.
