A political storm is brewing within the Orange Democratic Movement as several party leaders harshly criticised Siaya Governor James Orengo for his outspoken resistance to the ongoing collaboration between ODM leader Raila Odinga and President William Ruto.

Speaking during a Sunday church service in Migori County,  Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga publicly called out Orengo for his continued opposition to the broad-based government.

“I do not know why my governor Orengo is annoyed. Is he annoyed with us or with himself? The truth is ODM is part of the broad-based government. People like Orengo are vomiting on us from inside. Why do they not just leave and vomit from outside?” said Oburu.

The remarks come amid heightened tensions within ODM following its recent political alignment with President Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance, forming what both parties describe as a unity government focused on national development.

Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi accused Orengo of undermining the new alliance and hindering regional development.

“Some leaders in this community are promising they are ready to go back to jail or to the streets. But let us be honest, some of them are so advanced in age that if they go to jail they will not come out. Jail is like hell,” said Atandi, referencing Orengo’s past political activism.

“We now have an opportunity to work with our president to transform our region. We are committed to supporting President Ruto even up to 2032,” he added.

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi also weighed in, saying ODM members have no regrets about joining the broad-based government.

But Governor Orengo, long known for his legal acumen and political independence, has not backed down. In a past address he cautioned fellow party members against blindly following the government without scrutinising its actions.

“Even Hitler formed a coalition government and that coalition died,” said Orengo. “The law can never be suspended. Even when you make compromises do so on principle. Do not be part of praise and worship. We must stand firm.”

President William Ruto used the same church service in Migori to reinforce the government’s message of unity and inclusion, insisting that the pact with ODM was about service not politics.

“There is greater benefit in us collaborating than in competing for individual success,” said President Ruto.

“ODM members should know that this government belongs to them just as it belongs to United Democratic Alliance members and everyone else. There is no place for division. We will walk this path together.”

He urged leaders across the political divide to set aside personal rivalry and focus on service delivery.

“Our focus must be on building roads, improving healthcare, creating jobs and ensuring that no part of Kenya is left behind,” said Ruto. “When we are united we can achieve more for every Kenyan regardless of their political affiliation.”

Speaking during the burial of George Oduor, a bodyguard to Raila Odinga, Orengo called for political honesty and civic vigilance.

“I cannot be a praise-singer. We fought for a democratic Constitution where people should speak freely. If we do not tell our leaders the truth this country will go to the dogs again,” said Orengo.

“If anything is brought to Siaya County it will be as a matter of right not favour. We must fight for our rights.”

Raila Odinga, addressing concerns over Orengo’s stance, came to his defence, emphasising that the Siaya Governor had broken no laws by expressing his opinion.

“When Orengo talks he is speaking based on the memorandum of understanding between ODM and United Democratic Alliance. He has not committed any crime. He has a democratic right to say what he wants to say,” said Raila.