Africa-Press – Kenya. Siaya Governor James Orengo has reaffirmed his support for Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as the ODM Secretary General and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi as Deputy Party Leader, insisting that their authority is not merely political but firmly anchored in law.
Orengo’s remarks come at a time of heightened tension, uncertainty and leadership contestation within ODM, as the party navigates succession politics and growing pressure from shifting national alliances ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during the burial of veteran politician Cyrus Jirongo in Lumakanda, Kakamega County, Orengo emphasised that while personal ambition and internal debate are inevitable in a democratic party, leadership structures must be respected if ODM is to remain coherent and relevant.
“I recognise Sifuna as the ODM party Secretary General and Godfrey Osotsi as the deputy party leader. That is the reality in law,” Orengo said, in a pointed reminder to party members questioning authority and chain of command.
He noted that the late ODM leader Raila Odinga had expressly declared Sifuna as the official spokesperson of the party, a position that carries both legal and constitutional weight.
Orengo said attempts to sidestep or undermine that reality only serve to weaken the party and confuse the public.
His comments follow a period of mixed messaging from various ODM figures.
The county boss also delivered a blunt message on succession politics, warning ODM leaders against political timidity.
He urged those positioning themselves for secondary roles to declare their ultimate ambitions openly.
“If you want to be number two, declare that you want to be number one, then you will be number two. Declare that you want to be number two and you are going to be number three,” Orengo said.
According to Orengo, a Luhya or a Luo must be on the table when Kenya is being discussed.
Orengo also issued a stern warning against allowing ODM to be politically swallowed through coalition politics, arguing that Kenya’s multiparty democracy is under threat from gradual absorption of smaller parties by dominant political formations.
“Several parties are being swallowed one by one. ODM cannot be eaten slowly. Democracy must prevail,” he said.
He cited ANC, FORD-Kenya and even ODM itself as parties at risk of losing identity if co-opted into broader alliances without safeguarding their ideology, leadership structures and grassroots voice.
The governor’s remarks come amid intense debate within ODM about whether the party should align with President William Ruto’s government through coalition agreements or maintain an independent political stance.
Orengo has been highly critical of moves that could reduce ODM to a regional party, urging members to resist efforts that could narrow its appeal beyond its traditional strongholds.
Busia Governor Paul Otuoma speaking during the event appeared to differ with him criticising those ‘washing the dirty linen in public’.
He told leaders to avoid speaking about the affairs of the party in public as “no one here would help us”.
“If we have issues within the party, we shall address it internally. How are these people going to help us?” he posed.
