Siaya Governor James Orengo has come to the defence of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), rejecting growing criticism that the party has lost its connection with grassroots supporters and relevance in national politics.
Speaking during a televised interview on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, Orengo insisted that ODM remains the most consistent voice of the people, especially during times of national discontent.
“Whenever Kenyans have taken to the streets over governance, the budget, or electoral reforms, the party that has always stood with them is ODM,” Orengo said, emphasising the party’s long-standing legacy of activism and reform.
ODM’s Relevance and Challenges
Orengo’s defence comes amid a TIFA poll showing a 7% increase in public support for the Ruto–Raila broad-based government, suggesting shifting political dynamics. He dismissed claims that ODM’s influence is waning, arguing that the party remains “a progressive movement rooted in the struggles of ordinary citizens.”
He, however, acknowledged that ODM faces internal challenges, including overemphasis on election cycles and insufficient focus on long-term governance issues. “ODM has had challenges linked to the recurring nature of elections. Whenever we try to shift the conversation to reform and governance, the debate fades,” Orengo admitted.
Growing Public Criticism
His remarks follow mounting criticism from civil society and long-time ODM supporters who accuse the party of silence on key issues such as the rising cost of living and governance lapses since joining the broad-based government.
According to TIFA’s latest survey (conducted between August and September 2025), 37% of Kenyans view the Ruto-Raila pact as a political alliance serving leaders’ personal interests. Another 27% believe the deal undermines democracy, while 17% consider it irrelevant to public needs.
The Road Ahead
Despite political realignments, Orengo maintained that ODM remains distinct from parties “that only come alive during elections,” asserting that it continues to represent Kenya’s “broad mass of progressive citizens.”
As the country inches closer to the 2027 general elections, Orengo urged political leaders to focus less on succession politics and more on addressing the immediate concerns of ordinary Kenyans.
