No More Secrets as Orengo Publicly Tells Leaders Pushing ODM–UDA Coalition to Refund Ruto’s Money

Siaya Governor James Orengo has sharply criticized a section of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders, demanding that those allegedly involved in secret dealings with President William Ruto refund what he termed as money received to push for a coalition with the ruling party.

Speaking during a Linda Mwananchi rally and church service in Kitengela on Sunday, February 15, 2026, Orengo declared that “there will be no more secrets” within the party. 

He claimed that some leaders who attended recent meetings in Mombasa were advancing personal interests at the expense of ODM’s founding ideals.

“If you have taken money to negotiate ODM into a coalition with UDA, return it,” Orengo said, drawing cheers from supporters who turned up in large numbers for the Kitengela event.

His remarks come amid growing divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement over whether to enter into a working arrangement with the United Democratic Alliance ahead of the 2027 General Election.

A faction linked to Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has signaled openness to dialogue with the government, arguing that cooperation could strengthen ODM’s bargaining power.

However, Orengo and other leaders have rejected that path, insisting the party must remain independent and prepare to field its own presidential candidate.

Among those publicly opposed to any coalition talks are Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and nominated Senator Godfrey Osotsi. The group has consistently maintained that ODM’s strength lies in its identity as a reform-driven opposition movement.

Orengo argued that President Ruto needs ODM more than ODM needs the government, citing what he described as public dissatisfaction over governance and economic challenges. 

He warned that leaders pushing for alignment risk diluting the party’s legacy and betraying its grassroots supporters.

“The heart of ODM is with the people,” Orengo said, adding that the genuine energy of the party is now visible in grassroots movements such as Linda Mwananchi rather than in closed-door meetings.

The Kitengela rally underscored the widening rift within ODM, particularly following disputes surrounding Sifuna’s contested removal as Secretary General and ongoing legal battles over party leadership structures.