Siaya Governor James Orengo has pronounced the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as effectively "dead" following internal conflicts that saw Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna sidelined from the party leadership.

Speaking at the Linda Mwananchi rally held at Posta Grounds in Bungoma on July 26, 2026, Orengo asserted that ODM lost its core identity when party leaders began targeting Sifuna, who served as secretary-general before his removal.

"ODM ilikufa wakati walianza kuchezea Sifuna," Orengo told the rally attendees, emphasizing the party’s decline coincided with the marginalization of Sifuna.

Political Rift Deepens

The governor’s remarks followed Sifuna’s address at the same event, where the Nairobi senator urged ODM supporters to support his pursuit of a new political direction after falling out with the party leadership. Sifuna accused the current ODM leadership of sidelining him after changes were implemented following the death of party founder Raila Odinga.

He reaffirmed his loyalty to Raila, recalling his role in repatriating the late leader’s body from India, but said, "Ni wao wamenifukuza mimi," indicating he was pushed out by the party.

Blaming Ruto for ODM’s Collapse

Orengo linked ODM’s internal strife to President William Ruto’s failure to honor political agreements with Raila Odinga. He questioned whether Ruto has fulfilled promises made during their partnership, including reducing the cost of living and protecting ODM.

  • "Alisema hatavunja chama ya Raila, amevunja ama hajavunja?" Orengo challenged supporters.
  • He accused Ruto of being untrustworthy, labeling him "mnafiki number one" for breaking commitments and failing to deliver on promises.

Criticism of Ruto’s Record

Orengo also criticized Ruto’s past opposition to the 2010 Constitution, highlighting the irony of Ruto using the same constitution to assume the presidency in 2022 despite previously campaigning against it.

On youth unemployment, Orengo questioned the government’s performance, asking whether young Kenyans have truly benefited from Ruto’s pledges to create jobs.

He concluded by urging voters to remove Ruto from office in the forthcoming elections, stating, "Dawa ya Ruto ni kupeleka yeye nyumbani. Together we are going to win."

Party Leadership Changes and Division

Sifuna’s fallout with ODM leadership has deepened divisions within the party since Raila Odinga’s death. The Registrar of Political Parties confirmed leadership changes, including Sifuna’s removal as secretary-general.

Sifuna has accused the new ODM leadership of abandoning the party’s founding agenda and aligning closer to Ruto’s administration. He also criticized the alteration of ODM’s leadership structure without involving the party’s three deputy leaders as required by its constitution.