Speaking at a fundraising event at St. Luke’s ACK Church, Okoyo Ywaya Parish in Alego Usonga constituency, Orengo emphasized the need for ODM to secure a formal and structured engagement with President William Ruto’s administration.
Orengo warned that without a clearly defined arrangement, ODM risks being sidelined, especially in the absence of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who has long been the party’s unifying figure.
Orengo warned that without a clearly defined arrangement, ODM risks being sidelined, especially in the absence of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who has long been the party’s unifying figure.
He stressed that a binding agreement is crucial to safeguard ODM members currently serving in government, protecting them from potential marginalization or arbitrary dismissal.
“Party members who are vocal in praising the President should remain aware that their positions are subject to his discretion. Without a structured framework, their roles could easily be made vulnerable,” Orengo noted. He referred to certain officials as “ODM-donated experts,” cautioning them that continued service depends entirely on the goodwill of the President.
The governor also refuted claims that the Luo community is only now gaining meaningful access to government positions.
“Party members who are vocal in praising the President should remain aware that their positions are subject to his discretion. Without a structured framework, their roles could easily be made vulnerable,” Orengo noted. He referred to certain officials as “ODM-donated experts,” cautioning them that continued service depends entirely on the goodwill of the President.
The governor also refuted claims that the Luo community is only now gaining meaningful access to government positions.
He described the narrative as misleading, citing historical political achievements of the community, including producing Kenya’s first Vice President and the country’s second Prime Minister.
Orengo highlighted that these positions historically carried significant influence in shaping national policies.
Orengo urged ODM leaders and members to remain vigilant to avoid being overshadowed by President Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
Orengo urged ODM leaders and members to remain vigilant to avoid being overshadowed by President Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
Drawing lessons from other political outfits like the Amani National Congress (ANC), he warned that parties which align too closely with the government risk losing their identity and political relevance.
The governor’s comments come amid ongoing discussions about the role of ODM within the broad-based government formed under the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
The governor’s comments come amid ongoing discussions about the role of ODM within the broad-based government formed under the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
With key party leaders increasingly involved in government service, Orengo emphasized the importance of maintaining the party’s core principles and protecting its long-term interests.
Political analysts suggest that Orengo’s remarks reflect broader concerns within ODM about maintaining influence while balancing cooperation with the ruling party.
Political analysts suggest that Orengo’s remarks reflect broader concerns within ODM about maintaining influence while balancing cooperation with the ruling party.
The warning underscores the delicate relationship between opposition parties and the government, particularly in a political environment where alliances are shifting ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Orengo’s call for structured engagement highlights the need for clear agreements to define roles, responsibilities, and expectations.
Orengo’s call for structured engagement highlights the need for clear agreements to define roles, responsibilities, and expectations.
Such arrangements would ensure that ODM can participate in government without compromising its autonomy or being subsumed by UDA.
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