AfriPulse
Siaya Governor James Orengo has insisted that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) must field its own presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election. He made the remarks during a church service on Sunday, January 25, 2026, where he was joined by fellow party rebels.
Orengo described ODM as the largest political party in East and Central Africa, arguing that it cannot go into a coalition without its own flagbearer, especially while the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) already has one.
“Tunaenda kwa mazungumzo; mtu anakuja na presidential candidate, alafu ODM haina hiyo, itakuwa maajabu. ODM must have a presidential candidate,” he said.
He added that he and the rebel team, led by ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, would campaign across the country without fear. Drawing inspiration from a sermon they attended at Kawangware PAG, Orengo encouraged his team to “withstand the storm” and assured them that perseverance would lead to victory.
Orengo further stressed that ODM cannot enter into any political coalition before fully implementing the conditions outlined by the late Raila Odinga. He urged party members to refer to Raila’s speeches, writings, and recorded statements for guidance on the party’s direction.
Gitobu Imanyara, James Orengo, Raila Odinga, and Charles Rubia lead a pro-democracy protest through downtown Nairobi on July 7, 1990, during the historic push for multi-party reforms in Kenya.
“Mtu akitaka kujua ni nini Raila Amollo Odinga alisema, sikia sauti yake, angalia maandishi yake,” Orengo said. He pointed out that while Raila signed the March 2025 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with President Ruto in the presence of Sifuna, the agreement focused on addressing the citizens’ welfare and did not authorize a coalition.
According to Orengo, Raila prioritized the needs of ordinary Kenyans, including tackling the high cost of living and economic hardship. He stressed that the MoU was designed to address these challenges rather than power-sharing arrangements.
Orengo added that Raila set a deadline of March 7, 2026, for the agreed conditions to be fulfilled. Until then, he warned that ODM has no grounds to enter any coalition agreement, particularly with UDA.
“Raila hakusema mambo ya coalition. Alisema haki ya wananchi itimizwe kwanza,” Orengo said, cautioning party members against rushing into political deals before meeting Raila’s directives.
Source: NairobiWire.com | Read the Full Story…
