Former Prime Minister and ODM Party leader Raila Odinga has broken his silence on the brewing political tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), firmly defending Siaya Governor James Orengo against criticism from a section of ODM-affiliated politicians.
Speaking during a public address in Homa Bay, Odinga dismissed claims that Orengo was undermining the emerging Broad-Based political arrangement between ODM and UDA, terming the governor’s push for accountability as both necessary and justified.
“Governor Orengo is well within his rights to demand transparency and accountability from the Kenya Kwanza administration,” Odinga stated, emphasizing that calls for strengthening devolution must not be politicized.
The recent infighting within ODM has seen Orengo face accusations of frustrating efforts toward a new political partnership, with some party members arguing that his vocal criticism of the government threatens the unity of the evolving coalition. However, Odinga maintained that the protection and full realization of devolution remain a core pillar of ODM’s agenda.
He further accused the Kenya Kwanza government of deliberately undermining devolution by withholding resources meant for county governments. “The government must stop frustrating devolution. Funds must be released fully and on time. The full implementation of devolution is non-negotiable,” he declared.
Odinga’s strong defense of Orengo is seen as a move to calm growing tensions within ODM and reassert the party’s commitment to the ideals of devolution, even as it navigates new political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.