Siaya Governor James Orengo has criticised a section of ODM leaders for warming up to President William Ruto’s administration under the pretext of the broad-based agreement, terming their posture “cowardly” and contrary to the party’s values.

Speaking during the ODM Youth Convention in Mombasa on Friday, Orengo insisted that President Ruto not the opposition party stands to benefit politically ahead of the 2027 General Election, arguing that the Head of State has failed to meet the expectations of Kenyans.

“Ruto needs ODM, it’s not ODM that needs Ruto,” Orengo said to loud cheers. “There are people in the party behaving as if ODM is the one that needs Ruto. It’s Ruto that needs ODM because he has failed.”

He urged the party to remain firm and independent, emphasising that ODM must continue serving as the voice of the people.

Orengo also reinforced the stance that ODM is capable of fielding its own presidential candidate in 2027, dismissing the broad-based arrangement as a non-binding political slogan.

“The liberation parties in Africa are dying because they forgot the people,” he said. “ODM is a party of the people, by the people, for the people. It cannot be turned into a party for broad-based interests. In law and politics, there’s nothing like that.”

He questioned the logic of supporting Ruto for re-election, warning that it would undermine the party’s identity and mission.

“I don’t know why this party is becoming a party of cowards,” Orengo said. “A strong party like ODM must be very clear about what it wants.”

He further echoed the late ODM leader Raila Odinga’s call for unity and youth inclusion, saying Raila’s legacy towers above that of Kenya’s past presidents.

“Raila is bigger than Kenyatta, bigger than Moi, bigger than Kibaki, bigger than Uhuru, and bigger than Ruto,” Orengo said. “He wanted ODM to remain the people’s voice, and that’s why the party leads forces in both the National Assembly and the Senate.”

Orengo concluded by pledging to work closely with the youth as the party navigates its next phase: “Mambo bado.”

The youth convention comes ahead of ODM’s 20th-anniversary celebrations on Saturday, November 15, where members plan to honour Raila Odinga’s legacy while mapping the party’s future direction.