By Erestinah Jane, June 30, 2026
Siaya Governor James Orengo has intensified the growing political feud within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), accusing some former opposition leaders of abandoning the party’s long-held ideals in favour of political expediency by aligning themselves with President William Ruto’s administration.
Speaking during an interview, Orengo singled out Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, claiming the recent shift by several ODM leaders into the broad-based government was driven by personal political interests rather than ideology or the desire to serve the people.
The governor argued that the transition from supporting former President Uhuru Kenyatta to backing President Ruto reflected what he described as transactional politics, saying some leaders had abandoned the principles they once championed in exchange for positions in government.
To underscore his remarks, Orengo revisited his long political and legal relationship with Wandayi, recalling that he represented the current Cabinet Secretary in court when he faced a murder charge many years ago. Orengo said he successfully defended Wandayi, securing his release before later supporting his political career through the ODM party’s nomination process.
“I defended him in court when he was facing serious charges. After that, we worked together politically and ensured he got an opportunity to serve in Parliament,” Orengo said, adding that he found it surprising that some leaders had since distanced themselves from the ideals they once shared.
His remarks come days after Wandayi launched a blistering attack on the governor, accusing him of misleading the Luo community by opposing cooperation with President Ruto’s administration.
Speaking during a church fundraiser in Ugunja, Wandayi argued that Nyanza’s decision to work with the Kenya Kwanza government was a strategic move aimed at ensuring the region benefits from national development programmes after spending decades in the opposition.
The Cabinet Secretary challenged Orengo to publicly declare whether he intends to support an alternative presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election or contest the presidency himself. Wandayi maintained that leaders supporting the broad-based government had already resolved to back President Ruto’s bid for a second term.
“We have made our position clear. If Governor Orengo has another candidate, he should come out and tell Kenyans. If he wants to run himself, he should also declare it so that the people can decide,” Wandayi said.
The exchange highlights the widening divisions within ODM and the broader opposition over cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza administration. While a section of ODM leaders, including Wandayi and other Cabinet Secretaries appointed under the broad-based arrangement, argue that working with the national government will accelerate development projects in the region, another faction led by Orengo insists the party should maintain its independence and continue providing oversight to the government.
Political analysts say the public disagreements are increasingly shaping the political landscape in Nyanza ahead of the 2027 General Election. The region, traditionally regarded as an ODM stronghold, has in recent months witnessed growing differences over the party’s future direction and its relationship with President Ruto’s administration.
Observers believe the outcome of the ongoing debate could influence future political alliances, particularly as opposition leaders continue consultations aimed at forming a united front to challenge Kenya Kwanza in the next general election.
