In a statement shared on Monday, April 27, 2026, Olekina claimed Orengo’s recent political posture mirrors attempts he allegedly made in the 1990s to influence leadership following the death of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
He argued that history was repeating itself in the wake of the passing of Raila Odinga.
“James Orengo is running a ghost play from 1994, attempting to seize the ODM mantle,” Olekina said, suggesting that internal challenges to the Odinga political legacy have followed a consistent pattern over time.
His remarks come amid heightened tensions within ODM, where Orengo has recently adopted a more assertive stance.
Speaking at public events, the Siaya governor described himself as a “people’s party leader” and criticised sections of the party for drifting away from its founding ideals.
Orengo has also aligned himself with the so-called Linda Mwananchi faction, which has been holding rallies across the country advocating for reforms within ODM.
Orengo has also aligned himself with the so-called Linda Mwananchi faction, which has been holding rallies across the country advocating for reforms within ODM.
During one such rally in Vihiga County, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi openly backed Orengo, signalling growing support for his position within a section of the party.
The endorsements, however, have exposed clear fault lines. Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi cautioned against what he termed as premature leadership declarations, urging party members to respect established structures and processes.
At the same time, veteran politician Oburu Oginga firmly rejected Orengo’s self-proclamation, insisting that ODM leadership is determined through formal mechanisms.
The endorsements, however, have exposed clear fault lines. Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi cautioned against what he termed as premature leadership declarations, urging party members to respect established structures and processes.
At the same time, veteran politician Oburu Oginga firmly rejected Orengo’s self-proclamation, insisting that ODM leadership is determined through formal mechanisms.
He dismissed the claims with sharp criticism, maintaining that no individual can unilaterally assume the party’s top position.
“I don’t care whether somebody declares himself party leader… but you’re certainly not the party leader of ODM,” Oburu stated, reinforcing his legitimacy amid the growing dispute.
Despite the pushback, Orengo has continued to defend his position, warning that ODM risks losing its identity if internal divisions and external political pressures are not properly managed.
“I don’t care whether somebody declares himself party leader… but you’re certainly not the party leader of ODM,” Oburu stated, reinforcing his legitimacy amid the growing dispute.
Despite the pushback, Orengo has continued to defend his position, warning that ODM risks losing its identity if internal divisions and external political pressures are not properly managed.
He has called for the party to remain independent and steadfast to its founding principles.
The unfolding standoff highlights a broader struggle over the future direction of ODM following Raila Odinga’s death.
The unfolding standoff highlights a broader struggle over the future direction of ODM following Raila Odinga’s death.
With competing factions emerging and leaders staking claim to influence, the party now faces a critical moment that could redefine its leadership structure and political trajectory.
Olekina’s latest remarks add a historical dimension to the contest, framing the current tensions as part of a long-running rivalry rather than a new dispute.
Olekina’s latest remarks add a historical dimension to the contest, framing the current tensions as part of a long-running rivalry rather than a new dispute.
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