Siaya governor James Orengo was among the missing ODM leaders during the signing of a working agreement between President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on March 7, 2025, at KICC.
Orengo has been against the ODM party forming a working relationship with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Kenya Kwanza government.
The relationship between Raila and Orengo dates back to the late 1970s and early 1980s during Kenya’s pro-democracy movement.
Both were key figures in the fight against the KANU one-party rule and were part of the Second Liberation struggle.
However, the two have had differences during this period.
This raises the question: Has Raila abandoned Orengo again?
Reports indicate that a senior leader in ODM was ignored at the last minute before the deal was signed.
According to the reports, the leader was opposed to any working relationship between President Ruto and Raila.
The leader was kept in the dark, and his subsequent advice was ignored after he tried to frustrate the process.
It is reported that those who were drafting the final Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) blocked the man’s phone number and only unblocked him on Friday, minutes into the signing.
The said man later told his friends that he would soon be needed when things fall apart, and he will also “revenge” by ignoring calls.
Could this be James Orengo? Although this cannot be confirmed, it could be Orengo since he has been a strong critic of the broad-based government.
Orengo Tells Raila to Trade Carefully
Speaking on March 1, Orengo still maintained that Raila should rush into any political agreements with Ruto.
He asked Raila to make careful consideration before making the decision to join forces with any political party.
“I urge that we take our time and observe the outcomes of consultations. One should not rush into seizing any political opportunity that arises,” Orengo stated.
Orengo emphasized that Raila should be cautious, adding that joining a political alliance should come after thorough and diligent consultations.
He was positive that Raila’s consultations were going to provide a proper direction for the ODM party.
“Let the discussions with the people continue, and I believe we will find the right way to address the current situation,” Orengo reiterated.
Orengo started opposing the broad-based government from the onset.
Also Read: Raila Outlines His Vision for Kenya After MoU with Ruto [FULL SPEECH]
Orengo Bashes Broad-Based Govt
Speaking in July 2024, immediately after its formation, Orengo condemned the move by some ODM leaders to join the Kenya Kwanza government.
He explained that it was wrong for the opposition to join the government, which was responsible for the injuries and death during the anti-finance bill protests.
“We cannot kill our people, and at the time when they are mourning, we are looking for offices. That cannot happen. We must first deal with injustice before we can deal with the questions that arise from that injustice,” Orengo declared passionately.
Additionally, Orengo warned Raila against supporting President Ruto’s government since it was against the wishes of Kenyans.
He stated that Raila would not gain any political advantage by working with Ruto.
“And I want to say to those who are in a rush to join Ruto, that Ruto is a passing cloud, and I am saying that without a fear of contradiction,” Orengo emphasized.
Also Read: Ruto to Rename School After Chebukati
Battle Over Ford Kenya
The two first clashed in 1996 during the battle for the leadership of the Ford Kenya after the death of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
Orengo, who was then Ugenya MP, supported former Vice President Kijana Wamalwa and took over Odinga’s party.
Raila was forced to join the National Development Party.
Kibaki Tosha Disagreement
Orengo went against this again in the 2002 general elections, where he contested the presidency against Narc’s candidate Mwai Kibaki, whom Raila supported.
Orengo lost the presidency and his Ugenya parliamentary seat to his brother-in-law, Archbishop Stephen Ondiek.
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