Orengo: Ruto needs ODM and not the other way round

Siaya Governor James Orengo criticised a section of ODM members for cosying up to President William Ruto’s administration under the guise of the broad-based agreement, calling it a “cowardly” move. (X/James Orengo)

By Rachael Mutabasi
Friday, November 14, 2025

He stressed that it is Ruto who needs ODM, not the other way around, as the president has failed to live up to Kenyans’ expectations.

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders have called for unity within the party as they marked the 20th anniversary of the movement in Mombasa.

Speaking on Friday, Siaya Governor James Orengo criticised a section of ODM members for cosying up to President William Ruto’s administration under the guise of the broad-based agreement, calling it a “cowardly” move.

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He stressed that it is Ruto who needs ODM, not the other way around, as the president has failed to live up to Kenyans’ expectations.

This comes as the party prepares to field its own presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election.

"We want a government that is accountable, and now, as we speak, I dare say, Ruto needs ODM; it's not ODM that needs Ruto. Sijui mnaniskia. There are people in the party behaving as if ODM is the one that needs Ruto... I was very happy when Dr Oburu (Oginga) said ODM haitamezwa," said Orengo.

He further asserted that ODM remains capable of fielding its own presidential candidate in 2027, dismissing the broad-based arrangement as non-binding.

Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna expressed concern over the party’s declining influence, saying many members have been reduced to “beggars”.

According to Sifuna, the party has been reduced to a level where, even now, there is nobody within the party poised to vie for the presidency; they can only support other people or parties for the presidency to be won.

“Sisi watu wa ODM siku izi tunakaa watu wa Omba omba, mnaomba nini sasa? Haki yenu ni haki yenu; hakuna cha kuomba,” Sifuna stated.

He went on to point out potential members within the party with the ability to vie for the presidency, such as nominated Senator Crystal Asige, saying that with proper support, she can win the presidency.

Meanwhile, Vihiga Senator and ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi reaffirmed the party’s role as a strong opposition force, invoking the late Raila Odinga’s legacy.

“Sisi kama ODM, sisi hapana chama ya serikali. ODM is not a government party; we are an opposition party,” he said, dismissing calls for closer ties with the current administration.

Turning to the youth, he encouraged vigilance against societal wrongs. “We shall talk against the ills in society,” he said, positioning them as the party’s guardians.

Osotsi reinforced the importance of Raila’s 10-point agenda under the broad-based government framework, calling for its full implementation by March 2026. He highlighted detained youths from anti-government protests, stressing immediate intervention over bureaucratic delays.

“We cannot be talking of broad-based when our youths are rotting in prison! That issue must be addressed,” he insisted.

He also warned against party saboteurs, echoing Raila’s emphasis on inclusivity and unity.

This comes as the National Governing Council approved Senator Oburu Oginga as party leader, alongside deputy party leaders Abdulswamad Nassir, Simba Arati, and Godfrey Osotsi. Other approvals included vice chairpersons Otiende Amollo and Ariko Namoit, Deputy Organising Secretary Ruth Odinga, and Secretary of Political Affairs Rosa Buyu, ahead of final ratification at the National Delegates Convention.