Siaya Governor James Orengo has called on President William Ruto to stop interfering in the internal affairs of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), blaming him for the growing turmoil within the opposition party.
Speaking during a press conference on Thursday, February 12, 2026, Orengo urged the Head of State to keep off ODM matters, noting that he had previously cautioned against meddling in the affairs of other political parties.
The governor further claimed that President Ruto had been convening ODM meetings while sidelining key party officials such as Edwin Sifuna and Godfrey Otsotsi, pointing to gatherings held in Kilgoris and others reportedly hosted at State House.
Orengo Warns Ruto Against Interfering in Opposition Party Matters. Photo: Courtesy.
The county further accused Ruto of effectively holding the opposition party hostage by allegedly influencing its internal processes and key meetings.
In solidarity with the recently removed ODM Secretary General, Orengo insisted that Sifuna remains the party’s legitimate spokesperson, noting that he has served ODM for nearly a decade and steered its affairs through the 2017 and 2022 election cycles without public reprimand from party leader Raila Odinga.
He also dismissed efforts by the ODM National Executive Council (NEC) to undermine Sifuna’s authority, arguing that the organ lacked the national legitimacy to question his leadership.
The NEC met in Mombasa on February 11, 2026, where it discussed concerns over Sifuna’s conduct before resolving to relieve him of his duties.
Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omayo was subsequently appointed to act as Secretary General, having previously served as Deputy Secretary General.
Sifuna and a faction within ODM aligned to him, who were opposed to the prospect of a UDA-ODM coalition, had recently launched the ‘Linda Mwananchi’ tour, which drew significant attention during a stop in Busia.
Following his removal, Sifuna and his allies indicated that they would pursue internal party mechanisms to challenge the decision, while also leaving open the possibility of seeking legal redress if necessary.
