Orengo’s Defence of Ida Odinga Exposes Growing Tensions Within ODM

Siaya Governor James Orengo has defended Canon Ida Odinga against what he described as coordinated attacks, accusing unnamed individuals of betraying the political ideals of her late husband, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

In a statement posted on X on Monday, October 19, 2026, Orengo expressed concern over the criticism directed at Ida and the wider Odinga family, warning that attempts to undermine their legacy would not succeed.

“Ida Odinga was not just Raila’s wife but a fighter in the struggle against oppression, injustice and despotism,” Orengo said.

He argued that Ida had played an important role in Kenya’s political struggle and deserved recognition beyond her identity as Raila’s widow.

Orengo further accused unnamed individuals of turning against the family and attempting to erase Raila’s contribution to the country’s political history.

“They have sold the Party and now want to throw Raila Odinga’s legacy to the dustbin of history. It will never happen,” he said.

Disagreement over Raila’s legacy

Orengo’s remarks come amid growing disagreements within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) following the first anniversary of Raila’s death, marked on October 15.

The commemoration in Bondo exposed differences among political leaders over the direction of the party and the relationships Raila maintained across the political divide.

Ida’s decision to welcome leaders from different political camps to the anniversary gathering attracted criticism from some ODM figures allied to President William Ruto’s administration.

She defended the invitations, maintaining that her late husband had built relationships across political divides. The disagreement has since fuelled debate about who should preserve and represent Raila’s political legacy.

Orengo, a longtime ally of Raila, suggested that the hostility directed at the family was not entirely new, arguing that similar sentiments had begun emerging even before the former prime minister’s death.

He concluded his statement with the Luo proverb “Wang’ mi chiedho ema gawi,” alongside the Swahili expression “Asante ya punda ni mateke,” conveying his criticism of what he considers ingratitude and betrayal.

ODM faces questions over its future

The public disagreement comes as political attention shifts towards the 2027 General Election, raising questions about ODM’s unity and its future political alliances.

Raila led ODM for years and remained a central figure in Kenya’s opposition politics. His death has left questions about the party’s direction and how his political influence will be carried forward.

Orengo’s statement adds to the debate over whether Raila’s legacy should be represented primarily through ODM’s current leadership or preserved more broadly through his family, political allies and the causes he championed.

The governor did not name the individuals he accused of attacking the Odinga family in his post.

As the disagreement continues, the challenge facing ODM will be to manage its internal differences while determining its political direction ahead of the next general election.