Siaya Governor James Orengo has issued a stern warning to Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) members in government, cautioning them against blindly aligning with President William Ruto’s administration. Speaking during the funeral of Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) Chairperson Roseline Odede in Uyoma, Rarieda Sub-county, Orengo urged the opposition to hold firm to its principles and avoid being complicit in government missteps.
“The law can never be suspended. You must always live by the dictates of the Constitution,” Orengo said, emphasizing the importance of principled leadership. Drawing parallels to historical events, he mentioned the fate of Adolf Hitler’s coalition government as a cautionary tale, urging ODM to resist any attempts to compromise its values.
The governor expressed concern over the rising cases of abductions and extrajudicial killings, calling on the government to address these violations urgently. “Kenya is crying that we must stop abductions and extrajudicial killings so that we can be a republic. When there is too much sycophancy in government, people lose sight of their fundamentals,” he said.
Orengo’s sentiments were echoed by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who implored ODM leaders holding government positions to speak out against injustices. “ODM leaders in government must stop being sycophants and call out Ruto for injustices that are going on in Kenya,” Sifuna remarked, underscoring the opposition’s duty to safeguard democratic principles.
The remarks come in the wake of a perceived “handshake” between President Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga, marked by four prominent ODM figures joining the government under a broad-based partnership. The four Cabinet Secretaries—Hassan Joho (Mining), Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives), John Mbadi (Treasury), and Opiyo Wandayi (Energy)—have been accused of abandoning ODM’s opposition stance and becoming ardent supporters of President Ruto.
Their public praise for Ruto has sparked criticism from within ODM, with some party members accusing them of betrayal and weakening the opposition’s resolve. Orengo’s remarks signal mounting frustration within ODM’s ranks as some leaders struggle to reconcile their party’s ideological stance with their newfound roles in government.
As Kenya grapples with critical issues like abductions, governance, and economic challenges, Orengo’s call for steadfast opposition leadership highlights the tension between political pragmatism and principled dissent. The coming months will test ODM’s ability to navigate these dynamics while preserving its identity as a voice of accountability in Kenya’s political landscape.
