The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has issued a clarification regarding remarks by Siaya Governor James Orengo on the party’s funding case.
In a statement dated May 5, 2026, ODM claims that Orengo never initiated the matter; instead, the decision to pursue the case was collectively made by the National Executive Committee (NEC).
“We have noted the claim by Gov. James Orengo that he personally initiated the matter. With respect, that position is not accurate. The true position as borne out by the Party’s records is that the National Executive Committee deliberated on the issue and formally resolved that the case be filed on behalf of the Party,” read the statement.
NEC Resolution and Origins of the Case
According to the statement, ODM’s Funding case was not an individual initiative but a formal decision of the party’s leadership structure.
Also Read: Why ODM Wants Select Kenyans Be Given Ksh6,000 to Honour Raila Odinga
NEC deliberated on the issue and resolved to file the case on the party’s behalf.
The party also disputed the Orengo’s spearheaded case independently, insisting that the legal process was institutionally driven, with collective approval guiding the decision to take the matter to court.
ODM explains that Orengo was initially brought in as a senior-ranking member with legal expertise, expected to offer pro bono legal services to the party.
However, the party claims that the arrangement later changed after the firm of advocate Julie Soweto was introduced to file the petition.
“At the material time, Gov. Orengo was brought on board as a Senior ranking member with legal expertise specifically to offer legal services on a pro bono basis. That was the clear understanding. However, instead of instituting the proceedings through his own law firm, he conveniently introduced the firm of Ms. Julie Soweto, which ultimately filed the petition,” read part of the statement.
How Orengo and Julie Soweto Were Paid Ksh40 Million
Following ODM’s success in the High Court in 2016 and later in the Court of Appeal in 2018, legal fees were demanded and paid.
The party confirmed that the firm of Julie Soweto received KSh 40 million in connection with the case and that ODM’s demand for payment came as a surprise to party leadership at the time, including the late Raila Odinga, who reportedly expressed strong dissatisfaction with the development.
“Following the Party’s success in the High Court in 2016 and subsequently in the Court of Appeal in 2018, demands for legal fees began to be made. Ms. Soweto’s Law firm was paid Kes. 40 million by the party. The demand came as a surprise to everyone including the Party Leader the late Raila Odinga who branded Orengo and his team “mercenaries,” the statement read.
The party further argues that the documentation surrounding the arrangement is clear and verifiable.
ODM also alleges that Orengo received payments linked to the legal services, contradicting the initial understanding of a pro bono arrangement.
ODM has revealed that there is an ongoing dispute in the High Court involving the Soweto firm, which is seeking more than KSh 350 million in legal fees related to the case.
Also Read: Where is Oburu? Youth Leader Skips ODM Retreat Makes Plea Amid Storm
ODM Slams Orengo Over Legal Fees and Pro Bono Claims
ODM has reiterated that Orengo, as a Senior Counsel, is bound by the professional ethics governing advocates, particularly the strict standards of advocate–client confidentiality.
The party, however, argues that beyond these legal obligations, there is a broader expectation of accountability and openness regarding the nature of its involvement in the Political Parties Fund case.
ODM maintains that Orengo’s engagement was initially understood to be pro bono, a commitment to support the party without financial compensation.
The party now claims that this understanding changed, resulting in payments for legal services rendered during and after the litigation.
