Oburu Oginga Rebukes James Orengo’s Leadership Claim, Likens Him to "Party Leader of Trees and Birds"

Oburu Oginga rebukes Siaya Governor James Orengo's attempt to take over ODM leadership, calling him a "party leader of trees." Get the full scoop on the ODM factional war.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 25, 2026, 10:41 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Tuko

Escalating Factional Warfare Within the Orange Party

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is facing its most significant leadership crisis since its inception, as Siaya Senator and acting party leader Oburu Oginga launched a blistering attack on Governor James Orengo. The confrontation follows a public declaration by Orengo during a "Linda Mwananchi" rally in Nakuru on April 19, where he branded Oginga a failed steward and announced himself as the acting party leader. Oginga responded to the takeover attempt with cutting humor, stating that while Orengo could declare himself the "leader of trees or birds," he has no legitimate claim to the ODM mantle. This public fallout underscores a deepening divide that threatens to permanently fracture Kenya’s largest opposition party.

The "Linda Mwananchi" Dissent and the Ruto Factor

At the heart of the discord is the party's official stance toward the current administration. Governor Orengo, supported by political figures like Edwin Sifuna and Babu Owino, leads the "Linda Mwananchi" (Protect the People) faction, which remains fiercely opposed to any cooperation with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA). This group has accused Oginga of attempting to drag ODM into the government through the "backdoor" by supporting President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid. The dissenters argue that Oginga’s pro-government leanings betray the legacy of the late Raila Odinga, who passed away in October 2025, and have vowed to resist any merger or zoning agreements that benefit the incumbent president.

Inheritance vs. Liberation Credentials

The clash has also taken on a deeply personal tone, with Governor Orengo questioning Oginga’s political instincts and liberation heritage. Orengo has argued that ODM requires a "seasoned fighter" who has "tasted teargas" and embodies the spirit of struggle—credentials he suggests Oginga lacks despite being the elder brother of the late party patriarch. Orengo further claimed that Oginga did not inherit the sharp political acumen of their father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga. In response, Oginga has maintained that his leadership is legitimate and was properly installed during the transition period, dismissing Orengo’s claims as unconventional and illegal scheming.