Siaya Governor James Orengo has urged ODM leaders to avoid making informal political arrangements with President William Ruto’s government unless there is a legally binding agreement.
He warned that without a proper document, ODM’s relationship with the ruling side remains uncertain and could expose the party to risks.
Speaking at St. Luke Okoyo ACK Church in Central Alego during a fundraising event on Sunday, Orengo said ODM must protect itself from political instability.
Speaking at St. Luke Okoyo ACK Church in Central Alego during a fundraising event on Sunday, Orengo said ODM must protect itself from political instability.
He noted that several ODM professionals are currently serving in the Kenya Kwanza administration, but their positions can be revoked at any moment because no formal agreement exists between the two sides.
Orengo reminded ODM supporters that political cooperation needs clear, written rules. He referenced the grand coalition between Raila Odinga and former President Mwai Kibaki, where a legal framework protected ODM-appointed ministers from being dismissed without due process.
Orengo reminded ODM supporters that political cooperation needs clear, written rules. He referenced the grand coalition between Raila Odinga and former President Mwai Kibaki, where a legal framework protected ODM-appointed ministers from being dismissed without due process.
According to him, that arrangement helped maintain stability in government and ensured that the coalition worked fairly for both parties.
He said ODM could face internal friction if some leaders continue to enjoy government privileges without accountability to the party.
He said ODM could face internal friction if some leaders continue to enjoy government privileges without accountability to the party.
Orengo warned that political deals made behind closed doors could weaken ODM's unity and its ability to defend its long-term interests.
The governor also took time to reflect on the sacrifices made by earlier political leaders. He mentioned the struggles faced by the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, who endured political persecution while fighting for justice and representation for his community.
The governor also took time to reflect on the sacrifices made by earlier political leaders. He mentioned the struggles faced by the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, who endured political persecution while fighting for justice and representation for his community.
Orengo said the party must honor these sacrifices by protecting ODM’s identity and ensuring disciplined leadership.
Although he clarified that he is not against ODM working with the government, Orengo stressed that cooperation should only happen if it is grounded in law.
Although he clarified that he is not against ODM working with the government, Orengo stressed that cooperation should only happen if it is grounded in law.
He explained that coalitions without official agreements tend to collapse, recalling the fallout during the Kibaki era when Raila Odinga and several of his allies were removed from government.
That event, he noted, played a major role in the later formation of ODM and the development of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution.
Orengo also pointed out that some critics within ODM appear to support the government mainly to secure personal benefits.
Orengo also pointed out that some critics within ODM appear to support the government mainly to secure personal benefits.
He urged party members to act in the interest of the movement rather than individual gain.
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