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Siaya Governor James Orengo has warned that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has lost its soul, likening President William Ruto to a dictator as a power struggle threatens to tear the party apart.
Speaking on Spice FM on Wednesday, March 5, Orengo trained his guns on both the government and his ODM’s direction, saying Kenya’s Constitution remains the last line of defence against authoritarian rule.
"President William Ruto is cut from the same cloth as most dictators. Kenya is fortunate to have a strong constitution to safeguard democratic principles," said Orengo.
The governor said the founding document remains the only check on Executive overreach. "There is the return of the imperial presidency, with many running to State House for favours. It makes it even more critical that resources are shared fairly and equitably across the country," observed Orengo.
His remarks come two days after an ODM parliamentary group meeting formally endorsed working arrangements between the Party and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), backing negotiations aimed at forming a coalition ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Orengo flatly rejected any such deal. "If ODM were to form an alliance with UDA and the president, it could trigger a mass exodus of members, as many supporters may not accept such a partnership that conflicts with the party's founding ideals," he said.
The discussion laid bare the depth of ODM's internal crisis. Orengo did not mince words about what he believes has gone wrong since Raila's death.
"Our revolution has been hijacked and it is clear that ODM today is not the same party that Raila Odinga stood for over 20 years.”
Odinga led ODM from its inception in 2005 until his death in October 2025, with his brother Oburu Oginga appointed acting party leader.
Oburu was formally sworn in as party leader on November 13, 2025 after his appointment was approved by the National Governing Council. That transition has since unraveled into a factional fight with ODM splitting along ideological lines into two camps.
Divisions Emerge
The Linda Mwananchi faction, which supports the "one term" narrative, comprises Orengo, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka and Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, among others.
The opposing Linda Ground faction, aligned with Oburu, backs a broad-based arrangement and is pushing for a coalition with UDA.
What began as a defiant voice in the aftermath of the 2024 Gen Z protests and the formation of the broad-based government has since transformed into an organised political platform, with the movement crafting its message around the high cost of living, taxation, governance and youth unemployment.
At every stop from Siaya to Busia, the Linda Mwananchi brigade challenged the government over the implementation of the 10-point agenda agreed upon when President Ruto and Odinga signed a Memorandum of Understanding in March 2025, accusing the president of lacking commitment to honouring the agreement.
Following the divisions, ODM's National Executive Committee (NEC) resolved last month to remove Sifuna as secretary-general, a move that was blocked by the court.
The Party has since announced a National Delegates Conference on March 27, 2026, a meeting that could either widen or end the division.
Orengo took direct aim at Oburu, suggesting the party leader was not acting of his own accord. "Dr Oburu Odinga is being influenced by those around him to make certain statements and the directions he is taking risk harming ODM," said Orengo.
His remarks echo concerns raised by other key ODM figures. Suba South MP Caroli Omondi has alleged that decisions during Oburu's rise to power were rushed through under unclear instructions, hinting at possible external influence in shaping the transition.
A group of ODM life members separately petitioned the party's National Elections Board demanding Oburu's resignation, accusing him of violating the party constitution and undermining internal democracy.
Despite the turbulence, Orengo expressed confidence that ODM could be pulled back from the brink. He called on younger leaders to step forward and restore the party's vision.
"The young generation of leaders and supporters must come together, strategise and reclaim the vision and principles that originally defined the party," urged Orengo.
He pointed to Linda Mwananchi as proof that the Party's fighting spirit was alive.
The Edwin Sifuna-led faction has declared it will not be intimidated as it rolls out a nationwide mobilisation campaign, with leaders saying the drive will extend beyond Western Kenya to the Coast, Turkana and Kisumu.
"This is far from the end of the party. With a new generation of young and principled leaders emerging, the party is far from ending," added Orengo.
Linda Mwananchi Party?
The movement has however, taken an unexpected twist. An application was lodged with the Registrar of Political Parties to reserve the name "Linda Mwananchi," a move faction members say is aimed at misleading the public.
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi moved to distance himself and other faction leaders from the application, saying it has no link to their movement.
Sifuna and Owino have since written to the Registrar of Political Parties through their advocates opposing the registration, warning that approving it could create confusion among supporters and open the door to fraud against the public.
Raila's widow, Mama Ida Odinga, has urged warring factions to embrace dialogue, saying her late husband would have called on leaders to talk rather than engage in public mudslinging that risks tarnishing 20 years of ODM history.
Orengo acknowledged the urgency of the moment but showed no sign of backing down, framing the battle for ODM as inseparable from the fight for Kenya's democratic future.
"When there is a need to engage the government appropriately, I will not hesitate to do so,” he said.
