ODM WRANGLES: Orengo, Sifuna Lead MASSIVE Anti-UDA Campaign In Busia
Wrangles within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have taken a new turn, with a section hostile to the broad-based administration launching a parallel grassroots tour under the Linda Mwananchi flag to popularize the party.
The faction began the trip with its first public assembly in Busia County on Sunday, February 8, where they published their first list of demands, categorically rejecting any cooperation with the government of the United Democratic Alliance.
During the tour, Siaya Governor James Orengo stated that ODM will not engage in an arrangement with President William Ruto’s party.
The Governor emphasized that the party must forge its own political course ahead of the 2027 general election.
Orengo claimed that the ODM alone has the ability to build the next government and must nominate its own presidential candidate.
Siaya Governor James Orengo tells supporters at Busia Stadium that they will not sell their party
— The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya) February 8, 2026
Video by Benjamin Sakwa. pic.twitter.com/I0mL6XN9Ed
He rebuffed any suggestions of political mergers or power-sharing agreements with the UDA.
“Nobody will force us to enter into a government we do not agree with. ODM must form the next government and must have a presidential candidate,” Orengo stated.
He also advised against what he called political brokerage involving the party.
Orengo further accused anonymous individuals, presumably Ruto supporters, of seeking to “auction” ODM.
“Nobody can dare auction the ODM party. Everything that the party will do will come from the people themselves. This party will not be swallowed by any other party,” he added.
Orengo went a step further, pushing ODM supporters in the region to reject leaders whom he suspected of colluding with the ruling coalition.
ODM must have a presidential candidate – James Orengo pic.twitter.com/XScNrG1Mug
— Kenyans.co.ke (@Kenyans) February 8, 2026
“We are warning those doing business with our party. When they come here in Busia, do not allow them to come,” he added, drawing cheers from supporters.
On the other side, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino advised the ODM leadership against removing them from the party.
He noted that he was ready for a by-election in case he was removed, and he and other officials were not fearful.
The remarks mark the clearest signal yet of internal resistance within ODM following recent political realignments that have seen some party leaders warm up to cooperation with President Ruto’s administration.
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The leaders who are seen as rebels include the party’s secretary general Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, among others.
They are calling us rebels for asking questions – Sifuna pic.twitter.com/sobCby1gDj
— Kenyans.co.ke (@Kenyans) February 8, 2026
The ‘rebels’ argue that joining hands with the government would betray the party’s base and weaken its role as a watchdog.
On the other hand, the other faction in support of the broad-based government has insisted that the party must start pre-election negotiations with the UDA party.
However, only after receiving a green light from the party’s central management committee (CMC).
ODM WRANGLES: Orengo, Sifuna Lead MASSIVE Anti-UDA Campaign In Busia
