Debate over the future of the Orange Democratic Movement has intensified after Kileleshwa ward MCA Robert Alai questioned Siaya governor James Orengo’s recent warnings to party members.
Alai argued that the governor’s statements at the ODM youth convention in Mombasa were driven by personal ambition rather than concerns about the party’s direction.
During the Friday gathering, Orengo urged delegates to reject any shift toward broad-based government arrangements, saying such moves would erode ODM’s identity.
His remarks came as the party marked two decades in national politics, a period that has seen evolving alliances and internal debates over strategy ahead of the 2027 elections.
Alai, in a statement issued the following day, said the governor’s comments should be viewed in the context of his political aspirations.
According to the MCA, Orengo is positioning himself for a possible bid to become Senate Speaker under the proposed United Opposition coalition.
He claimed Orengo had already engaged Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka on the matter, remarks attributed directly to Alai.
The MCA further alleged that the governor’s confrontational approach toward President William Ruto’s administration was designed to bolster his standing within opposition circles.
Alai said the pattern reflected past moments in Orengo’s career, including episodes after the death of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, which he argued strained ties between Ford-Kenya and the Moi government.
He also referenced Orengo’s unsuccessful run for the presidency, saying the governor received minimal support at the time.
These comments signal growing tension within ODM over how the party should navigate the current political landscape.
ODM, which has played a central role in opposition politics since its formation in 2005, has occasionally faced internal disagreements on whether to engage the government or maintain a more adversarial stance.
The discussion has become more pronounced as the party prepares for realignment efforts ahead of the next general election.