Oburu tells off Orengo over ODM-govt ties, urges him to quit party if discontented

Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has strongly criticised Governor James Orengo for his continued opposition to the Orange Democratic Movement’s (ODM) engagement with the Kenya Kwanza administration, urging him to leave the party if he is dissatisfied with its current direction.

Oburu stressed that the party’s decision to engage with the government was a collective one, stemming from thorough internal consultations and not individual preferences.

He explained that the move was grounded in a 10-point agreement, which had been collectively endorsed by the party.

"It pains me to hear my own governor from Siaya stand up and say he is annoyed and claim that he just wants to speak the truth. But what truth is he referring to?" wondered Oburu.

"I always speak the truth, your excellency, and the truth is that we are in this broad-based government not as individual members of parliament or senators. We are here because of a collective decision made by our party, ODM,” he said.

He was speaking on Sunday during interdenominational prayers in Migori County attended by President William Ruto.

Oburu criticised the internal opposition in ODM, claiming that continued criticism from within the party undermines its unity and amounts to sabotage.

Broad-based government

“Those who are annoyed about this broad-based government are effectively attacking us from within. If they disagree, they should leave and voice their concerns from outside. We want our party, ODM, to remain strong and united, and move forward with the people.”

“Before this agreement was signed, there were many consultations. Raila Odinga, as the party leader of ODM, went around consulting and even came to Migori.”

Oburu emphasised that the time for political fights was over, and that leaders should now focus on delivering services to the people.

“A governor is not mandated to fight for the people, but to serve them. He is given resources to deliver services. This is the time to serve, not to fight for rights. What rights other than what they eat?” Oburu wondered.

Governor Orengo has been an outspoken critic of ODM's involvement with the Kenya Kwanza government.

Orengo has previously strongly criticised ODM's collaboration with the Kenya Kwanza government, labelling it an "abomination" and a "disaster".

"Putting aside my position as the governor, justice must be done. We must deal with the injustices now and not tomorrow," Orengo said.

Other Topics To Read

• Politics
• Headlines
• ODM
• Orange Democratic Movement
• broad-based government
• Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga
• Governor James Orengo
• Oburu tells off Orengo over ODM-govt ties
• urges him to quit party if discontented