Speaking during the ODM@20 anniversary celebrations in Mombasa on Friday, November 14, Orengo made it clear that ODM must protect its identity and should not behave as if it depends on President Ruto for political survival.
The governor received loud cheers after boldly declaring that it is President Ruto who needs ODM, not the other way around. Orengo said that some party members had started acting as though ODM could not stand on its own.
“I dare say this, Ruto needs ODM; it’s not ODM that needs Ruto,” he said.
The governor received loud cheers after boldly declaring that it is President Ruto who needs ODM, not the other way around. Orengo said that some party members had started acting as though ODM could not stand on its own.
“I dare say this, Ruto needs ODM; it’s not ODM that needs Ruto,” he said.
He praised Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga and Winnie Odinga for standing firm and rejecting any idea that ODM could be swallowed by the government.
Earlier, Winnie Odinga dismissed claims of division within the party, describing the rumors as “kelele ya chura,” meaning frog noises that cannot stop a cow from drinking water.
Earlier, Winnie Odinga dismissed claims of division within the party, describing the rumors as “kelele ya chura,” meaning frog noises that cannot stop a cow from drinking water.
Her message encouraged party supporters to remain focused and ignore distractions.
Orengo also compared ODM to other historical liberation parties in Africa which eventually collapsed after abandoning their principles.
Orengo also compared ODM to other historical liberation parties in Africa which eventually collapsed after abandoning their principles.
He mentioned parties in Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia that lost support because they forgot the people who had trusted them.
The governor insisted that ODM must remain a people-centered party. He warned members who appear comfortable with the current cooperation with Kenya Kwanza to think about what this means for 2027.
The governor insisted that ODM must remain a people-centered party. He warned members who appear comfortable with the current cooperation with Kenya Kwanza to think about what this means for 2027.
According to him, supporting Ruto in the next election would leave ODM without direction or purpose.
He also reminded the audience of Kenya’s political past, noting that many parties dissolved into KANU in the 1960s because they believed opposition was useless.
He also reminded the audience of Kenya’s political past, noting that many parties dissolved into KANU in the 1960s because they believed opposition was useless.
This, he said, forced Kenyans to take to the streets years later to fight for multiparty democracy.
In a bold remark, Orengo said Raila Odinga’s legacy is bigger than that of all former Kenyan presidents, including the current head of state.
In a bold remark, Orengo said Raila Odinga’s legacy is bigger than that of all former Kenyan presidents, including the current head of state.
He accused some ODM leaders of being too afraid to speak the truth, urging them to stand firm and remain loyal to the party’s mission.
The ODM@20 event at Mama Ngina Waterfront is the first major party gathering since Raila Odinga’s death on October 15, 2025.
The ODM@20 event at Mama Ngina Waterfront is the first major party gathering since Raila Odinga’s death on October 15, 2025.
The celebrations are being used to reflect on the party’s journey, honor its founders, and set a clear direction ahead of the 2027 elections.
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