Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has strongly criticised Siaya Governor James Orengo over his recent opposition to the ongoing collaboration between the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the Kenya Kwanza administration, daring him to leave the party if he is dissatisfied with the direction it is taking.
Speaking during an interdenominational church service in Suna East, Migori County, attended by President William Ruto, Oburu said the decision to enter into a broad-based government arrangement with Kenya Kwanza was made collectively within ODM, and not by individuals acting alone.
“When my governor stands up and says he is annoyed, I don’t know with whom, and claims he just wants to speak the truth, I ask myself: what truth?” Oburu questioned.
He defended the 10-point agreement signed between ODM and Kenya Kwanza, saying it was the result of internal consultations aimed at ensuring the party and the Nyanza region get a fair share of national resources and development opportunities.
“Those who think this broad-based government is wrong are vomiting on us from within. Why don’t they step outside and vomit there?” Oburu said pointedly.
In his remarks, Oburu urged Orengo to focus on service delivery, noting that a governor’s primary responsibility is to utilise allocated resources for the benefit of the people, not to engage in political grandstanding.
“This is the time to serve, not to fight for rights. What rights other than what they eat?” he asked, downplaying political confrontation as a means to achieve development.
Orengo, however, has maintained a firm stance against the partnership. Speaking at a funeral service in Siaya on April 12, he said he would not be part of a “praise-singing bandwagon” and emphasised the importance of defending constitutional freedoms and citizens’ rights.
“There is a need to fight for your rights if we are to have a better country,” Orengo declared.
The sharp exchange highlights growing tension within ODM over its working relationship with President Ruto’s administration, with internal disagreements threatening to divide party leadership in the coming days.
