The ODM party on Tuesday, May 5, sensationally claimed that Siaya Governor James Orengo duped the party Ksh40 million by charging them legal fees for what was initially meant to be a pro-bono service.

In a statement issued to the press, ODM blasted Orengo for taking credit for the party’s Ksh12 billion claim from the Political Parties Fund, after leading the litigation process.

The ODM Communications Department claimed that its National  Executive Committee initiated the process of making the claim and that the Governor was only contacted for the litigation.

Orengo is accused of contracting another legal firm, then charging the party for legal services offered.

“Instead of instituting the proceedings through his own law firm, he conveniently introduced the firm of Ms Julie Soweto, which ultimately filed the petition.

“Following the Party’s success in the High Court in 2016 and subsequently in the Court of Appeal in 2018, demands for legal fees began to be made. Ms Soweto’s Law firm was paid Ksh 40 million by the party,” the statement read in part.

ODM disclosed that the hefty legal fees came as a shock to the departed party leader, the late Raila Odinga, who allegedly questioned Orengo’s character.

“The demand came as a surprise to everyone, including the Party Leader, the late Raila Odinga, who branded Orengo and his team ‘mercenaries’, ” the statement continued.

The Oburu Oginga-led party claims to have evidence that shows that the Siaya County Chief personally received the payments.

It further alleged that following the confusion, it was embroiled in a civil case at the High Court with the firm over legal fees worth hundreds of millions.

“The Party now finds itself embroiled in an ongoing legal dispute in the High Court with the Soweto Firm (in effect, associated with Gov. Orengo), with a claim of more than Ksh. 350 million for legal representation,” ODM noted

The statement came after Orego called out some leaders of the Linda Ground group for failing to acknowledge the legal groundwork he did that allowed them to claim the Ksh12 billion, and instead targeting him with personal attacks.

Nyando Member of Parliament Jared Okello’s mother, Doris Okello, is dead.

The announcement was made by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party through a statement shared via social media on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

According to ODM, Mama Doris died on the night of Monday, May 4, 2026.

However, the Orange Party did not disclose the cause of death while sending their message of condolences to the lawmaker, who is also a member of the ODM National Executive Committee (NEC).

“Our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family of Hon. Jared Okello, MP for Nyando and a member of our National Executive Committee (NEC) following the passing of the family matriarch, Mama Doris Okello, last night,” ODM stated.

The Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga-led party, in its tributes, prayed for strength, comfort, and peace for the bereaved family.

“We pray to God to guide the family and give them strength, comfort, and peace during this difficult time of grief. May the Soul of Mama Doris RIP,” ODM wrote on X.

Preliminary reports revealed that the late Mama Dorcas passed away after a short illness. Kenyans sent condolence messages to Okello.

They eulogised his mother as a matriarch whose life was marked by grace, strength, and unwavering devotion to her loved ones.

“During this period of sorrow, we stand in solidarity with the Okello family and pray that they may find comfort, strength, and peace in the memories they shared and the support of those around them,” Ouma Simiyu wrote.

The news came barely a week after another leader from ODM, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, announced the death of his mother.

According to Senator Onyonka, his mother, Mama Teresia Nyaboke Omoke, passed away while undergoing treatment at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi.

Onyonka described the late Mama Teresia as a devoted mother who was a pillar of strength to their family. He further described her as a woman of great faith, humility, and wisdom. 

Tanzanian Members of Parliament have heaped praise on President William Ruto, following his address to their Parliament on Tuesday, May 5, drumming up support for his re-election in the 2027 General Elections.

Speaking on the floor of the Tanzanian parliament, the MPs said Kenyans did not make a mistake in electing Ruto as their president in 2022, and they remain optimistic that Kenyans will elect him again in next year’s elections.

“I am convinced beyond reasonable doubt that Kenyans did not make a mistake in electing Ruto in 2022.. Our borders cannot divide us. Tell Kenyans we take them as our brothers and sisters and we will continue to support you,” stated Ikungi West MP Emmanuel Kingu.

“You have chosen to believe in our President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Who are we not to pray for you so that you can win the next general elections?” he added, in remarks directed at President Ruto.

The MP then read a Bible verse addressed to Ruto, praying for the Head of State ahead of the 2027 polls.

The remarks came after Ruto’s address to the Tanzanian parliament, in which he praised his Tanzanian counterpart, Samia Suluhu, following her election as president in October 2025.

Ruto was on a two-day state visit in Tanzania from Monday, May 4, to strengthen diplomatic and trade relations between the two countries.

Ruto concluded his tour with a historic address at the Tanzanian Parliament in Dodoma, where he focused on regional cooperation and brotherhood between Kenya and Tanzania, as well as trade and infrastructure development across the region.

Among the issues he addressed on the floor of the house included the planned multi-billion oil refinery expected to be constructed in Tanga.

Tanga MP Kassim Mbaraka welcomed the move, praising Ruto for identifying the region as the appropriate location for the refinery.

“I am from tanga and the region has lagged behind on developments. But today you have said a refinery should be constructed in Tanga. Thank you so much,” he stated.