“Ruto Needs ODM; ODM Does Not Need Ruto!” – Governor Orengo Declares
Siaya Governor James Orengo has condemned a group of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party members for fraternizing with President William Ruto’s administration under the cover of the broad-based agreement, calling it a ‘cowardly’ move.
Speaking at the party’s youth conference in Mombasa on Friday, Orengo stated that President Ruto needs ODM – not the other way around – for the 2027 General Election since he has failed to meet Kenyans’ expectations.
He emphasized that ODM should remain a stand-alone party, continuing to represent the voice of the voiceless.
“We want a government that is accountable and now, as we speak, I dare say, Ruto needs ODM, it’s not ODM that needs Ruto. Sijui mnaniskia,” Orengo stated.
“There are people in the party behaving as if ODM is the one that needs Ruto. It’s Ruto that needs ODM, kwa sababu ameshindwa,” he added.
Orengo: ODM doesn't need Ruto, it’s Ruto who needs us kwa sabau ameshindwa pic.twitter.com/KTSx0HyMIO
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) November 14, 2025
“I’m not afraid to say, I have nothing to fear but fear. I was very happy when Dr. Oburu (Oginga) said ODM haitamezwa.”
Orengo went on to state unequivocally that ODM is capable of presenting a presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election, noting the fact that the broad-based agreement is not legally binding.
“The liberation parties in Africa are dying because they forgot the people,” Orengo remarked.
“I ask the leadership in ODM, it is a party of the people, by the people, for the people, ODM can never be a party for broad-based and in the interest of the broad-based.”
He added, “In law and politics, there’s nothing like that. Tell me if in 2027, you make Ruto the president, where does that leave ODM? I don’t know why this party is becoming a party of cowards.”
Raila's votes were stolen in 2022. Was it Sifuna or me who stole the elections? Under whose orders was Raila shot at in 2024? James Orengo woos ODM members to stop begging Ruto pic.twitter.com/vnEZa64RFi
— Mutembei TV (@MutembeiTV) November 14, 2025
He echoed the late former Prime Minister and ODM leader Raila Odinga’s demand to keep the party together and involve youth in deciding its future.
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“What Raila has left is bigger than what all four presidents who have ruled Kenya have ever left,” Orengo pointed out.
“Raila is bigger than Kenyatta, Raila is bigger than Moi, Raila is bigger than Kibaki, Raila is bigger than Uhuru and Raila is bigger than Ruto.”
Adding, “Raila was so clever that he did not leave us just to be in the broad-based (government), he wanted to be the voice of the people and that’s why ODM is leading the forces within the National Assembly and the Senate.”
The youth convention prepares the party for its 20th anniversary festivities on Saturday, November 15, as members commemorate Raila’s legacy while mapping a course for the future.
“Ruto Needs ODM; ODM Does Not Need Ruto!” – Governor Orengo Declares
