Tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have spilled into the public arena after Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga openly rebuked Governor James Orengo over his sustained criticism of President William Ruto’s administration.
Speaking during an interdenominational church service in Migori County, Senator Oburu defended ODM’s cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza government, saying it is based on a ten-point agreement endorsed by the party’s leadership.
He warned that internal dissent was undermining party unity and development-focused engagement.
“We are in this broad-based government not as individuals, but through a resolution of our party. Those who are uncomfortable with it should leave instead of sabotaging us from within,” Oburu said.
The senator called on Orengo and other dissenters to either support the party’s direction or resign. “We want our party to have a nice smell,” he quipped, in a statement that drew laughter from the crowd.
Governor Orengo, a senior ODM figure and close ally of Raila Odinga, has dismissed any cooperation with President Ruto’s administration as “an abomination,” citing economic mismanagement, injustice, and betrayal of ODM’s ideals. He has repeatedly condemned the government’s handling of the economy and human rights concerns.
“This is not the time for scrambling for positions while we mourn those killed in anti-government protests,” Orengo said earlier.
The fiery exchange marks a deepening rift in ODM as the party grapples with its role in the evolving political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
