Kenya’s political landscape continues to witness a brewing conflict within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) after Siaya Governor James Orengo publicly clashed with the party’s direction under Raila Odinga, particularly over its alliance with President William Ruto.
Ruto’s role in this “beef” has been pivotal, as his strategic partnership with Raila has both fueled Orengo’s dissent and positioned Ruto as a central figure in Kenya’s shifting political alliances.
Ruto and Raila’s collaboration began to take shape in mid-2024, following nationwide protests against the Finance Bill. Facing a legitimacy crisis, Ruto reached out to Raila, his former rival, to stabilize his administration.
By July 2024, Raila agreed to join a National Multi-Sectoral Dialogue Forum, and Ruto appointed four ODM members to his cabinet, including key figures like John Mbadi as Finance Minister. This “broad-based government” aimed to quell unrest but sparked discontent among some ODM loyalists, including Orengo, who viewed it as a betrayal of the party’s opposition roots.
Orengo’s criticism peaked during the burial of Raila’s aide, George Oduor, on April 12, 2025, in Siaya. He declared he would not join the “praise-singing bandwagon” for Ruto’s administration, calling the alliance a threat to democratic principles.
Kisumu residents, under the Kisumu Progressive Movement, accused Orengo of undermining the unity Ruto and Raila were fostering, arguing that the Luo community had gained unprecedented inclusion under Ruto’s government. They pointed to the appointments of ODM’s Opiyo Wandayi and John Mbadi as evidence of Ruto’s goodwill.
Ruto’s role in this tension is twofold. First, he has actively supported Raila, even after Raila’s failed bid for the African Union Commission chairmanship in February 2025, by integrating ODM into his government and referring to Raila as “Prime Minister” during public engagements.
This has emboldened Raila to push for a formal coalition, which Orengo opposes, fearing it dilutes ODM’s identity. Second, Ruto has remained silent on Orengo’s criticisms, likely to avoid alienating Raila’s base while allowing ODM’s internal debates to play out. Political analysts suggest Ruto is leveraging this rift to weaken ODM’s cohesion ahead of the 2027 elections, ensuring his United Democratic Alliance remains dominant.
Ultimately, Ruto’s calculated alliance with Raila has deepened the Orengo-Raila divide, highlighting his knack for navigating Kenya’s complex political terrain while keeping his own interests firmly in sight.
