Siaya Governor James Orengo on Thursday laid blame on President William Ruto for the current divisions rocking the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), following the controversial removal of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as the party’s secretary general.
Orengo spoke during a press conference attended by key ODM figures, including Sifuna, Babu Owino, and Winnie Odinga.
“The problem in ODM is President Ruto. We are asking Ruto to let ODM go. Let ODM alone. He has not taken it hostage; he is in possession of the ODM party. He is convening meetings of ODM organs. Leave ODM alone,” Orengo said, directly accusing the head of state of interfering in internal party affairs.
Orengo defended Sifuna’s record, emphasizing his loyalty to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, ODM’s founding leader.
“The Secretary General of Raila Odinga’s ODM Party is Edwin Sifuna. During the entire life of Raila Odinga and during the period in which Edwin Sifuna was the secretary general, there is no single moment that Raila criticized Edwin Sifuna in public,” he stated.
The governor’s remarks framed Sifuna’s ouster as politically motivated rather than based on performance or loyalty.
In a surprising turn, Orengo also addressed the circumstances surrounding Raila Odinga’s death, which continues to stir speculation within political circles.
“I also want to say without fear of contradiction that the death of Raila Odinga…which is still a mystery to many of us… Those who bear responsibility for the death of Raila Odinga are out there. They are silent about it, but I hope that one day we will determine the circumstances in which Raila passed away,” he said.
His comments hinted at unresolved questions over the former prime minister’s passing, adding a layer of controversy to the ongoing party crisis.
Orengo’s remarks underscore a deepening tension within ODM, as party members navigate leadership transitions after Sifuna’s removal during the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Wednesday.
Party insiders say the move has intensified calls for clarity on both the handling of Sifuna’s removal and broader allegations of political interference by state actors.
By linking Ruto to ODM’s instability, Orengo’s statements signal a sharpened partisan divide ahead of the 2027 elections.
Orengo reaffirmed loyalty to ODM’s founding principles and to Sifuna, insisting that the party remains a platform committed to Raila Odinga’s vision despite ongoing political turbulence.