The once formidable unity within Azimio la Umoja appears to be on the verge of a significant rupture as Siaya Governor James Orengo publicly questions the wisdom behind ODM leader Raila Odinga’s growing political closeness with President Ruto.
In what observers are calling the rekindling of an old rivalry, Orengo’s bold criticism has not only reignited speculation of internal power struggles but also exposed fresh cracks in the opposition coalition’s fragile unity.
Orengo, a long-time ally and confidant of Odinga, has historically been among the former Prime Minister’s most loyal lieutenants. However, the governor’s recent remarks criticizing the ongoing Raila-Ruto cooperation have stirred political waters in a way that recalls past tensions between the two.
“We did not fight for democracy only to become cheerleaders of the very system we vowed to reform,” Orengo reportedly said during a county event in Siaya, in a veiled jab at the newfound political bromance between Odinga and UDA top politico.
The remarks come barely weeks after Raila signaled a softening stance towards President Ruto. While the AU bid earned Raila cross-party goodwill, it has also sowed discontent among sections of ODM and Azimio allies who feel the opposition’s core mandate is being diluted.
Joining Orengo in voicing dissent are youthful MP Babu Owino, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, and Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o — all vocal leaders who have long aligned themselves with the ideals of a robust and uncompromising opposition. The four have dismissed what they term as “political accommodation under the guise of pan-African diplomacy”, warning that it risks rendering the opposition irrelevant ahead of the 2027 polls.
Babu Owino, known for his firebrand style of politics, has voiced his dissatisfaction telling off leaders within the faction whom be believes are committed to undermining youth influence.
“The opposition has a role to keep the government in check. If we turn into praise singers for Ruto, then we are betraying Kenyans who looked to us for accountability,” he said in a recent social media post that quickly went viral.
Senator Sifuna echoed similar sentiments, cautioning that Azimio’s current path risks alienating its core support base.
“Raila’s AU bid should not be the reason we surrender our duty as the alternative voice. Cooperation should not be confusion,” he said during a media interview.
“ODM is a big part with heritage. It is political party which is known for being vocal against wrongdoing and stimulating an environment for economic growth and development.”
While Raila himself has remained largely mum on the matter, sources close to the ODM leader suggest that the fallout could have deeper roots in unresolved leadership succession questions within the party. With Raila seemingly preparing 2027 contest, jostling for influence within ODM has intensified, with rift taking root.
Governor Orengo’s stand is particularly symbolic, given his stature as one of Kenya’s most respected constitutional minds and a key figure in the Second Liberation movement. His disapproval sends a powerful signal that not all is well within ODM. Political analysts argue that Orengo’s statement is a strategic move to reassert his influence within the party and ensure that the opposition’s founding ideals are not sacrificed at the altar of diplomacy.
“This is not just about Raila and Ruto,” says political commentator Dr. Mumo Wanjala. “It’s about what kind of opposition we want. Orengo, Sifuna, and others represent a faction that feels betrayed by this sudden warmth towards a government they were elected to oppose.”
With mounting pressure from the grassroots and civil society for the opposition to clarify its position, ODM now finds itself walking a political tightrope. Will the party rally behind Raila’s pact with Ruto? Or will the dissenting voices manage to steer it back to its combative roots?
As the political drama unfolds, all eyes will be on the ODM National Executive Council meeting slated for later this month. Insiders say it will be a defining moment — either a point of reconciliation or the beginning of a bigger split.
For now, one thing is clear: the Orengo-Raila battle is more than just a disagreement over foreign policy. It’s a reflection of deeper ideological struggles that could shape the future of Kenya’s political landscape.
Whether Raila’s inner circle can weather this storm — or if it will fracture under the weight of competing ambitions — remains to be seen. But what is certain is that the age-old adage rings truer than ever in Kenya’s volatile political theatre: there are no permanent friends, only permanent interests.
