‘Exercise Decorum, Civility!’ – Raila Tells ODM Leaders After Orengo Outburst
Raila Odinga, the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), has finally spoken out in the wake of rumors of a split within the political party.
The issue comes from the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), which established the broad-based administration.
Odinga, in a statement issued through his spokesperson Dennis Onyango on Friday, urged party members to maintain moderation and decorum when discussing the current state of affairs, amid reports of a schism within ODM.
He explained that he is closely observing the relationship between ODM and the Kenya Kwanza administration, as well as how parties are interpreting the inked MoU.
The former Prime Minister also committed to plan a course of action after consulting with the party’s relevant organizations.
“Mr. Odinga believes the discussions are not unique to ODM and are in line with similar such engagements that have gone on in equally strong parties in established democracies,” the statement read in part.
“It is the position of the Party Leader that at the appropriate time, relevant organs of the party will harmonize the diverse views and come up with a harmonized position on the way forward.”
It continued: “Mr. Odinga appeals to ODM members and leaders to exercise decorum, civility, restraint and respect for each other as they debate the current state of affairs and the future of the party.”
Odinga also assured members that the party will remain unified and focused on national issues.
His statement comes after indications of a coming conflict with Siaya Governor James Orengo, who has openly opposed ODM’s ties with Kenya Kwanza.
This has sparked a debate within the party, which appears to be divided between advocates of the broad-based governing agreement and those who reject it.
“I cannot be a praise-singer. We fought for a democratic Constitution where people should speak freely,” Orengo said during the burial of Odinga’s bodyguard George Oduor on Saturday last week.
Orengo-Raila Battle Rekindled:
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) April 17, 2025
Raila Odinga and Governor James Orengo are on the brink of a fall-out yet again, following Orengo's criticism of the Ruto-Raila cooperation deal.
Orengo joins Babu Owino, Edwin Sifuna and Anyang' Nyong'o, who have refused to join Ruto's praise and… pic.twitter.com/yfkpUQoyGa
“I urge Kenyans to tell their leaders the truth. This country will go to the dogs again if the kind of language we hear continues.”
In reaction to Orengo’s remarks, ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi emphasized that Odinga is the only one who determines the party’s future direction.
“Raila Odinga is our party leader and what he says is what we follow as a party, we have internal party democracy and what Orengo is doing is exercising the democracy within ODM,” Osotsi said.
The turmoil over the broad-based government deal also played out when President Ruto and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna traded barbs over the State’s affairs during Oduor’s funeral service.
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“Wale ambao wanahusika na kufanya kazi yako ikuwe ngumu, read them the riot act kwa sababu tunajua kazi yako ni ngumu, wasifanye ikuwe ngumu zaidi,” Sifuna said at Ramba High School in Siaya County on April 12, 2025.
On his part, Ruto warned the ODM SG to restrain himself from criticising the government, lest he be disciplined.
F1 Edwin Sifuna was telling Ruto about Butere girls. Then F2 Ruto responded. Nyinyi mnaona Ruto vile anaambia Sifuna ati anaeza mduscipline. It just echoes our rhetoric. This guy doesn't want to be questioned at all! pic.twitter.com/9HhfaLXlLO
— Josh (@Josh001J) April 12, 2025
“Nimeskia Sifuna anaongea na nguvu. Wakati unaongea mambo yangu Sifuna, ujue mimi ndio mwanzilishi wa ODM so unaenda polepole kidogo,” the President shot back.
“Sisi ndio tulianza hii kitu. Na unajua ukinisukuma sana, nitaitisha mkutano ya founder members wa ODM…tukiitisha hiyo mkutano kukufanyia discipline, sisi ambao tulianza chama. So tuendeni mossmoss.”
‘Exercise Decorum, Civility!’ – Raila Tells ODM Leaders After Orengo Outburst
