Speaking during an interview on a political talk show hosted by Herman Manyora, Orengo said zoning arrangements—where coalition partners agree on which party fields candidates in certain areas—are a clear sign that ODM is no longer as strong as it once was.
“Zoning itself shows that ODM has been emasculated and is weak,” Orengo stated, adding that in the past, it was smaller parties that pushed for such arrangements in order to compete against ODM’s dominance.
He expressed concern over what he described as a steady decline in the party’s influence, particularly in regions that were once considered its strongholds.
According to the governor, recent by-election results have exposed ODM’s vulnerability, citing losses in Kisii East Ward and Narok Town Ward where rival parties secured victories.
Orengo noted that these are seats the party would previously have won comfortably, raising questions about its current grassroots support and organisational strength.
Despite his criticism, he maintained that the party’s situation is not beyond repair, urging leaders to reassess their strategy and reconnect with supporters.
The remarks come amid growing internal debate within ODM over its direction and performance, especially following shifting political dynamics across the country.
Adding to the concerns, Pauline Odhiambo Oginga, a relative of the late ODM leader Raila Odinga, recently faulted party leadership for allowing President William Ruto to make significant inroads into the Nyanza region.
She argued that the ruling administration has been able to directly engage with grassroots communities in areas traditionally aligned with ODM, without relying on local party leaders.
Orengo noted that these are seats the party would previously have won comfortably, raising questions about its current grassroots support and organisational strength.
Despite his criticism, he maintained that the party’s situation is not beyond repair, urging leaders to reassess their strategy and reconnect with supporters.
The remarks come amid growing internal debate within ODM over its direction and performance, especially following shifting political dynamics across the country.
Adding to the concerns, Pauline Odhiambo Oginga, a relative of the late ODM leader Raila Odinga, recently faulted party leadership for allowing President William Ruto to make significant inroads into the Nyanza region.
She argued that the ruling administration has been able to directly engage with grassroots communities in areas traditionally aligned with ODM, without relying on local party leaders.
According to her, this reflects a weakening grip by ODM officials on their support base.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has also echoed similar concerns, lamenting that zoning discussions are now taking place in regions where the party once enjoyed overwhelming support.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has also echoed similar concerns, lamenting that zoning discussions are now taking place in regions where the party once enjoyed overwhelming support.
He pointed out that counties like Homa Bay were historically ODM strongholds where competition from other parties was minimal.
“For the first time, we are talking about zoning in areas like Homa Bay. When ODM was strong, we did not worry about who else was contesting,” Sifuna remarked.
He further blamed party leadership for failing to safeguard its traditional bases, arguing that the current political landscape reflects missed opportunities and strategic missteps.
The growing chorus of concern from senior leaders underscores mounting pressure on ODM to redefine its approach ahead of future elections. Analysts say the internal criticism could either trigger reforms or deepen divisions within the party.
“For the first time, we are talking about zoning in areas like Homa Bay. When ODM was strong, we did not worry about who else was contesting,” Sifuna remarked.
He further blamed party leadership for failing to safeguard its traditional bases, arguing that the current political landscape reflects missed opportunities and strategic missteps.
The growing chorus of concern from senior leaders underscores mounting pressure on ODM to redefine its approach ahead of future elections. Analysts say the internal criticism could either trigger reforms or deepen divisions within the party.
0 Comments