Activist Raises Alarm Over Alleged Internal Rebellion in ODM, Warns of Threat to Raila Odinga’s Legacy

An Eldoret-based human rights activist has raised alarm over what he terms a sustained and calculated internal rebellion within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), warning that the party risks losing its ideological foundation and betraying the political legacy of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

In a strongly worded statement, Kipkorir Ngetich cautioned the ODM fraternity and, more specifically, the Luo community to critically reflect on emerging political realignments that he claims are aimed at opposing Raila Odinga’s long-established political path and values.

According to Ngetich, the recent political posture adopted by Siaya Governor James Orengo should not be viewed as a new development, but rather as a continuation of a historical pattern of opposition that dates back to the early days of Kenya’s multiparty democracy.

“The emergence of James Orengo as an opponent of Raila Odinga’s political direction did not start today. It goes back to the formation of the original FORD party and the period following the death of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga in 1994,” Ngetich said.

He claimed that Orengo opposed Raila Odinga’s assumption of party leadership after his father’s death, an early sign, he argues, of a deep-seated rivalry that persisted throughout the reform movement years.

The activist accused Orengo of political hypocrisy, alleging that while he publicly projected himself as a champion of reforms and democracy, he privately worked to undermine Raila Odinga’s leadership and political influence.

“This is a political betrayer who capitalized on the reform movement to blind Kenyans from seeing his true colours. On several occasions, he betrayed Raila Odinga while enjoying the protection and political cover that Raila provided,” Ngetich alleged.

He further cited events surrounding the 2002 General Election, claiming that Orengo secretly opposed Raila Odinga’s endorsement of the late President Mwai Kibaki, a strategic move that ultimately ended the Kenya African National Union’s (KANU) long-standing grip on power.

“That endorsement was historic and selfless. It defeated KANU’s decades-long rule. Yet even then, there were individuals within the reform movement working behind the scenes to sabotage Raila Odinga’s strategy,” he said.

Ngetich also referenced earlier incidents, including claims that Orengo discouraged Raila Odinga from attending a fundraiser in Ugunja, advice which the late prime minister allegedly ignored, further straining their political relationship.

The activist expressed deep concern over what he described as a new alliance involving Governor Orengo, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, accusing the trio of opposing the broad-based government arrangement and ODM’s political strategy ahead of the 2027 General Election.

“Their current posture is nothing but an extension of rebellion against Raila Odinga’s wishes and political philosophy. It is an attempt to push his rich history of democracy, sacrifice and dependable leadership into oblivion,” Ngetich said.

He argued that the three leaders owe their political relevance to Raila Odinga, claiming they rose to prominence under his protection and influence.

“They are fully aware that without Raila Odinga, they would not have survived the political waves. It was Raila who shielded and mentored them. Today, driven by selfish interests, they are trying to rebrand themselves as alternative voices,” he said.

Ngetich further accused Orengo of attempting to position himself as the spokesperson of the Luo community, a move he warned could fracture unity and erode the Odinga family’s long-standing political legacy.

He also condemned what he described as open disrespect and defiance toward Dr. Oburu Odinga, Raila Odinga’s elder brother, saying it demonstrated the extent to which the alleged rebellion was willing to go.

“The open defiance directed at Dr. Oburu Odinga and the broad-based government is proof that this group is prepared to frustrate not only the Odinga family but also the wider ODM support base,” he stated.

In a direct challenge, the activist questioned the political credibility of the leaders, urging them to test their popularity outside ODM.

“If they believe they are popular and independent political forces, they should resign from ODM, form their own political party and seek re-election to prove their support,” Ngetich said.

He warned that ODM risks being infiltrated and weakened by individuals he described as “enemies of the former prime minister,” accusing them of being sponsored to dismantle Raila Odinga’s political legacy from within.

Ngetich concluded by calling on ODM supporters, party officials and the Luo community at large to remain vigilant and to safeguard the ideals, sacrifices and democratic values championed by the late former prime minister.“Raila Odinga’s legacy is not for sale. It belongs to the people who believed in justice, democracy and unity. ODM must come to reality and confront the forces seeking to rewrite history for selfish gain,” he said.

The leaders mentioned had not responded to the allegations by the time of publication.