SIAYA, Kenya- Siaya Governor and senior Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader James Orengo has cautioned that rushing into a coalition with President William Ruto’s UDA could weaken ODM and risk reducing it to a regional party.
Speaking amid deepening divisions within the party following the death of Raila Odinga, Orengo stressed that Raila’s vision was for ODM to remain a national party serving all Kenyans, not a Luo Nyanza-centric movement.
“What Raila did, out of the realisation that a regional party could not answer the demands of Kenyans, was to strive to build a national party, which is ODM,” he said.
“I see an attempt to try and drive ODM to become a regional party. If we choose to work with UDA, ODM will most likely become a small party.”
–Party Elements from Other Regions Remain Silent-
He highlighted that some party elements from other regions have remained quiet amid what he described as a “civil war within the party,” warning that an early coalition could push ODM into a shrinking, regional-focused entity.
“When you do analysis, if we choose to work with UDA or Kenya Kwanza, most likely, ODM is going to be a small party. It will be pushed back into a Luo Nyanza party,” he added.
James Orengo: What Raila did, out of the realisation that a regional party could not answer the demands of Kenyans, was to strive to build a national party, which is ODM.I see an attempt to try and drive ODM to become a regional party.If we choose to work with UDA, ODM will
Orengo stressed the importance of consolidating ODM nationally before entering coalition talks.
“We have about 12 or 10 months which we can spend on building ODM as a national party, and thereafter, talk about coalitions,” he said.
–Strategic Patience Key to Protecting ODM’s National Stature–
While asserting ODM’s strength, he positioned the party as the dominant force in any negotiations.
“ODM still remains the biggest party in Kenya. When talking to UDA, we are the big brothers in the room. And that must be taken into consideration.”
He also reaffirmed his loyalty to the party.
“My Party is ODM and I intend to remain a member of ODM,” he said.
Orengo clarified his approach to State House, noting that he goes there to ensure fairness and equity, not to seek favors.
“I do not go to State House to beg; I go there on the basis that the Constitution requires equity and fairness in the operations of the national government,” he said.
