Siaya Governor James Orengo has issued a firm warning to Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) supporters, dismissing any attempt to push the party into a political coalition with President William Ruto.
Speaking in Busia County on Sunday, Orengo said ODM must guard its independence and position itself to form the next government on its own terms, without being pressured into alliances that undermine its values or long-term goals.
The governor addressed supporters during a public rally held under the Linda Mwananchi grassroots tour, an outreach campaign that comes amid rising internal debate within ODM over its political direction. The discussions have largely centered on proposals for possible cooperation with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), a move that has sharply divided opinion within the party.
Orengo made it clear that he would oppose any forced political arrangement with the ruling party, saying such decisions must reflect the will of ODM members rather than individual interests.
“Nobody will force us to enter into a government we do not agree with,” Orengo told the crowd.
He insisted that ODM must remain focused on contesting power independently and fielding its own candidate in the 2027 General Election.
“ODM must form the next government and must have a presidential candidate,” he added.
The Siaya governor also warned against what he described as covert negotiations aimed at weakening the party from within. He said ODM belongs to its grassroots supporters and cannot be traded away for personal or political convenience.
“Nobody can dare auction the ODM party,” he declared. “Everything that the party will do will come from the people themselves. This party will not be swallowed by any other party.”
Orengo went further and urged ODM supporters in Busia to reject leaders he accused of engaging in behind-the-scenes dealings with rival political outfits, saying such actions threaten the party’s unity and credibility.
“We are warning those doing business with our party. When they come here in Busia, do not allow them to come,” Orengo said, drawing loud cheers from the crowd gathered at the stadium.
The Linda Mwananchi tour aims to rally grassroots support and reconnect ODM’s leadership with its base ahead of the 2027 elections. Orengo and his allies argue that the party’s strength lies in its supporters and its ability to articulate a clear, independent agenda, rather than relying on short-term political deals that could dilute its identity and influence.
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