Orengo Vs Ruto: Unbowed Linda Mwananchi warns against forceful ODM takeover

Siaya Governor James Orengo has issued a direct warning to President William Ruto against any attempt to weaken or take over the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), insisting the party remains firmly anchored in its founding ideals and leadership.

Speaking to journalists in Kisumu on Friday ahead of the planned Linda Wanainchi rallies in Vihiga and Kisumu, Orengo said the movement within ODM remains determined to defend the party’s identity, legacy and political direction.

“President Ruto, so long as we’re alive, you will not swallow the party of Raila Amolo Odinga. You will not destroy the party of Raila Amolo Odinga,” Orengo declared.

He pointed to the recent meeting at State House involving President Ruto and ODM Party Leader Dr Oburu Oginga, arguing it signalled an attempt to politically influence ODM structures.

“As you saw yesterday in the State House, it was a conclusion that these people have swallowed the party called ODM. They are trying to run, but they can’t run because we are here,” Orengo said.

He questioned the symbolism of holding such discussions at State House, noting that ODM had historically engaged the government outside the seat of power.

“There is no day in the entire life when Raila Amolo Odinga took the leadership of ODM to State House to discuss matters of concern or partnership. Those meetings were held outside the State House. To hold them there meant political dominance was shifting,” he said.

The remarks come a day after President William Ruto and ODM Party Leader Dr Oburu Oginga led their respective steering committees in a meeting at State House, Nairobi, where they agreed to deepen collaboration and explore a framework for a possible coalition of equals.

Orengo said the Linda Wanainchi movement is an internal ODM caucus formed to strengthen the party’s ideological foundation and protect its founding values of social democracy and citizens’ rights.

“We have got two very important functions beginning tomorrow as Linda Wanainchi, and I want to make it very clear that Linda Wanainchi is a caucus and a group and a movement within the ODM party. That should be well understood,” he said.

He said the movement will begin in Vihiga County before culminating in a major rally in Kisumu on Sunday, describing it as a symbolic homecoming.

“Tomorrow we are in Vihiga… and on Sunday we conclude with a very important big rally in Kisumu. Kisumu will be like a homecoming because this is the land of Raila Amolo Odinga, the land of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and the land of Tom Mboya,” he said.

Orengo warned that any attempt to disrupt the planned gatherings would face strong political resistance.

“It will be difficult for anybody to stop these rallies… and if you try, you will see something you have never seen in your life because this is a tsunami. This is a people’s movement, and we come in peace and preach the language of peace,” he added.

He said the movement is aimed at safeguarding ODM’s ideological foundation rooted in social justice, constitutionalism and citizens’ rights.

Orengo also criticised what he termed emerging  “zoning politics” within the party, saying ODM’s strength had always come from nationwide mobilisation.

“Zoning is coming about because we have weak leaders. They want comfort. Political parties gain strength by working hard. Raila Odinga was everywhere in Kenya from Turkana to Mandera—building a strong national movement,” he said.

He added that ODM risks losing its national character if leaders become passive or overly dependent on State House direction.

“We now have leaders waiting for instructions from State House. That weakens the party and limits its reach. ODM must remain active and national,” he said.

Orengo maintained that ODM remains the largest political party in Kenya and should not be reduced to a junior coalition partner in any political arrangement.

He further alleged that internal political manipulation within ODM is aimed at weakening the party ahead of future realignments, though he clarified not all leaders were involved.

“The conspiracy to sell ODM was made on the eve of the return of Raila Odinga’s remains. I know that Senator Oburu Oginga was not part of this cabal pushing the party to the brink,” he said.

Orengo called on party members committed to ODM’s founding principles to stand firm.

“I call upon those who remain true to ODM… to join us so that we can make ODM strong again,” he said.

Orengo and the Linda Wanainchi team will on Sunday attend church in the morning before proceeding to the rally grounds for the much-anticipated event.