James Orengo. Photo: Courtesy
Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai has set social media ablaze, claiming that Siaya Governor James Orengo has been sidelined by ODM leader Raila Odinga in key party and legal roles.
In a fiery post on X on Tuesday, Alai questioned Orengo’s influence within the Orange Democratic Movement, alleging that Raila consistently preferred others for sensitive political and legal duties.
Alai pointed to lawyer Paul Mwangi, who reportedly led legal teams for the 2017 and 2022 elections, helped draft the opposition’s ten-point agenda, and even negotiated critical agreements with the United Democratic Alliance—tasks Orengo was allegedly left out of.
“Raila Odinga consistently chose others for these roles. Orengo is not a reliable leader,” Alai wrote, linking Orengo’s exclusion to a lack of trust from the party top brass.
He also referenced Raila’s decision to hand over ODM matters to Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o during his African Union Commission chairmanship bid.
The post has sparked heated debate online. Some ODM supporters echoed Alai’s sentiments, while others defended Orengo, highlighting his long-standing commitment to the party and his principled opposition to the broad-based government.
Orengo has remained vocal about his stance, warning that opposition parties risk losing their oversight role if they cozy up to the ruling coalition.
Despite the online storm, he insists that ODM must stay firm in holding the government accountable.
For now, the drama between Baba’s confidants shows no signs of cooling, leaving many wondering: who really calls the shots in ODM?