Siaya Governor James Orengo has defended his recent remarks in which he declared himself the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), saying the party is operating under “extraordinary circumstances” that demand urgent clarity on leadership.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV’s JKLive on Wednesday night, Orengo maintained that his statement was not unlawful, arguing that ODM cannot remain without clear leadership following the death of former party leader Raila Odinga.
“It is not illegal to declare myself the leader of ODM because we are in very extraordinary circumstances,” Orengo said.
“Raila dies, and a cabal in State House chooses who the next leader of ODM is, a cabal that is presided over by a party that does not belong to ODM.”
His comments come at a time of growing internal debate within ODM over succession and the party’s direction after Raila’s exit from active politics.
Different factions have emerged, each pushing competing views on who should take charge and how the party should be structured going forward.
Orengo said his position was influenced by public sentiment expressed during recent ODM political rallies, where supporters allegedly called for him to take charge of the party’s direction.
“ODM cannot continue being leaderless,” he said. “I did not just declare. Everywhere we went in those mega rallies, people were saying I was the one to lead the party out of this confusion and make ODM be what it should be.”
The Siaya governor, a long-time ally of Raila Odinga and one of ODM’s senior figures, has previously raised concerns about external influence in the party’s internal processes.
In his latest remarks, he suggested that attempts to shape ODM’s leadership were being influenced by forces outside the party.
His statement is likely to intensify discussions within ODM, which has been grappling with questions of succession and cohesion in the absence of its long-serving leader. Party officials have yet to issue an official response to Orengo’s comments.
ODM remains one of the country’s most influential political parties, but analysts note that its internal balance has been under pressure due to shifting alliances and competing leadership interests.
Orengo’s remarks are expected to deepen the ongoing debate over the party’s future, particularly on how leadership should be determined in a post-Raila political era.