Nandi Senator Kiprotich Cherargei has publicly criticised Siaya Governor James Orengo following comments the latter made about President William Ruto’s relationship with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Orengo, speaking at the party’s 20th anniversary celebrations in Mombasa, said some ODM leaders acted as if the party depended on the president, asserting that it was Ruto who needed ODM more.
In a statement on X, Cherargei accused Orengo of lacking the moral authority to comment on national governance, citing what he described as poor leadership in Siaya County.
“Orengo has allowed corruption and political bickering to stall development in his county,” Cherargei said, adding that the governor was using broad-based government criticism as a diversion.
The senator linked Orengo’s remarks to recent internal changes in ODM, particularly the appointment of Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Odinga as party leader.
Cherargei suggested that Orengo had expected to assume the leadership role himself and was now reacting to perceived slights.
He further noted Orengo’s discontent over the elevation of Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and MP Gideon Atandi to higher positions within the party hierarchy.
Orengo’s comments came as ODM marked two decades since its founding.
The celebration brought together senior leaders to reflect on the party’s achievements and strategise for national politics.
Orengo’s assertion that Ruto depended on ODM appears to reflect tensions between opposition parties and the ruling government, particularly as Kenya approaches future electoral cycles.
Cherargei described the governor’s remarks as attempts to undermine both the Kenya Kwanza government and the legacy of the late ODM leader, Raila Odinga.
He suggested that such interventions risked creating divisions within ODM and detracted from the party’s policy agenda.
The party continues to navigate leadership transitions while maintaining its relevance in national politics.