'Ruto needs ODM, it's not ODM that needs Ruto!' Governor Orengo roars

Siaya Governor James Orengo has called out a section of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party members for fraternizing with President William Ruto's administration under the guise of the broad-based agreement, terming it a 'cowardly' move. 

Speaking during the party’s youth convention in Mombasa on Friday, Orengo noted that it is President Ruto who needs ODM – and not the other way round - for the 2027 General Election since he has failed to live up to Kenyans' expectations.

He pointed out that ODM should remain a stand-alone party that continues to be the voice of the voiceless.

"We want a government that is accountable and now, as we speak, I dare say, Ruto needs ODM, it's not ODM that needs Ruto. Sijui mnaniskia. There are people in the party behaving as if ODM is the one that needs Ruto," Orengo stated.

"It's Ruto that needs ODM, kwa sababu ameshindwa. I'm not afraid to say, I have nothing to fear but fear. I was very happy when Dr. Oburu (Oginga) said ODM haitamezwa."

Orengo proceeded with the clarion call that ODM is capable of fielding a presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election, citing that the broad-based arrangement is not a legal document.

"The liberation parties in Africa are dying because they forgot the people. I ask the leadership in ODM, it is a party of the people, by the people, for the people, ODM can never be a party for broad-based and in the interest of the broad-based. In law and politics, there's nothing like that," Orengo remarked. 

"Tell me if in 2027, you make Ruto the president, where does that leave ODM? I don't know why this party is becoming a party of cowards. In this party, kuna wanaODM wanaanza kusema we will be in the government or form the next government. In the world of politics, you'd better decide what you want. A strong party like ODM must be sure of what we want."

He echoed the late former Prime Minister and ODM chief Raila Odinga’s call to keep the party united and to involve young people in shaping its future.

"What Raila has left is bigger than what all four presidents who have ruled Kenya have ever left. Raila is bigger than Kenyatta, Raila is bigger than Moi, Raila is bigger than Kibaki, Raila is bigger than Uhuru and Raila is bigger than Ruto," Orengo pointed out. 

"Raila was so clever that he did not leave us just to be in the broad-based (government), he wanted to be the voice of the people and that's why ODM is leading the forces within the National Assembly and the Senate. Kwa hivyo mimi kama James Orengo nataka niungane na vijana, mambo bado."

The youth convention sets the stage for the party’s 20th-anniversary celebrations slated for Saturday, November 15, as members honour Raila’s legacy while also charting the path forward.