The comments come after ODM’s Central Management Committee (CMC) met in Kilifi on January 12, 2026, and directed party leader Oburu Odinga to begin formal coalition talks, starting with nationwide consultative rallies and culminating in a National Delegates Conference to approve the party’s position.
Orengo, a founding member of ODM, warned that joining UDA could reduce the party into a regional or Luo-centric entity, undermining its national character.
“If ODM chooses to work with Kenya Kwanza or UDA under the current circumstances, the likely outcome is that the party will gradually shrink and retreat into Luo Nyanza,” he said.
He traced his concerns to Kenya’s political history. At independence, colonial authorities promoted regional parties, while leaders like Tom Mboya and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga pushed for national movements.
He traced his concerns to Kenya’s political history. At independence, colonial authorities promoted regional parties, while leaders like Tom Mboya and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga pushed for national movements.
Later, floor-crossing laws and political manoeuvres fragmented opposition parties, including the Kenya People’s Union (KPU) and FORD, turning them into regional outfits.
According to Orengo, Raila Odinga intentionally built ODM as a national party to avoid the mistakes of the past.
According to Orengo, Raila Odinga intentionally built ODM as a national party to avoid the mistakes of the past.
Today, ODM has a presence across almost all regions of the country. However, internal divisions, he said, risk undoing this progress.
“Leaders and members from other regions have become noticeably quiet amid internal conflicts. History shows that is how national parties are weakened and regionalised,” he explained.
Orengo argued that coalition talks with UDA should only occur when ODM is politically strong. He emphasised that the party still holds the largest support base in Kenya, and any alliance should reflect ODM’s status as the senior partner.
Other ODM officials share Orengo’s concerns. Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has cautioned against rushing into a coalition, warning that some leaders may be pushing the move for personal interests.
“Leaders and members from other regions have become noticeably quiet amid internal conflicts. History shows that is how national parties are weakened and regionalised,” he explained.
Orengo argued that coalition talks with UDA should only occur when ODM is politically strong. He emphasised that the party still holds the largest support base in Kenya, and any alliance should reflect ODM’s status as the senior partner.
Other ODM officials share Orengo’s concerns. Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has cautioned against rushing into a coalition, warning that some leaders may be pushing the move for personal interests.
Sifuna stressed the importance of prioritising internal consultations to safeguard ODM’s independence.
In response, Oburu Odinga defended his consultative approach, insisting that he engages members at all levels before making decisions.
In response, Oburu Odinga defended his consultative approach, insisting that he engages members at all levels before making decisions.
He urged party officials to speak with one voice once a collective position has been agreed upon, noting that contradictory statements deepen divisions.
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