07/06/2026
This Is Personal, Not Political': ODM Supporter Downplays Oburu-Orengo Meeting Debate
'Don't Drag ODM Into Personal Differences': Party Member Dismisses Calls for Oburu-Orengo Meeting
Fresh debate has emerged within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) after reports surfaced regarding conditions allegedly set by Siaya Governor James Orengo for a meeting with ODM leader Dr. Oburu Oginga.
However, a section of party members has moved to downplay the significance of the proposed talks, insisting that any differences between the two leaders are personal and should not be portrayed as matters affecting the party.
Speaking on the issue, one ODM member argued that the widely discussed meeting has been misunderstood by the public, saying it has little to do with the affairs of the party.
"I have seen the conditions that James Orengo has reportedly set for having a conversation with ODM party leader Dr. Oburu Oginga. I fail to understand why a private meeting between two Luo elders should become a national issue," he said.
According to him, many Kenyans have been led to believe that the anticipated meeting concerns the future direction of ODM, yet the disagreement is largely personal and not linked to party operations.
"ODM is a national party representing all Kenyans, not just members of the Luo community. Party members do not have any issues with our leader Dr. Oburu Oginga or with Governor James Orengo. Whatever differences may exist between them should not be imposed on ODM members," he added.
The member further questioned the relevance of the reported conditions, arguing that Governor Orengo is not speaking on behalf of the party in the matter.
"Orengo is not an official representative of ODM in this context, so I do not see why Oburu Oginga should be required to meet him in his capacity as party leader. The conditions being discussed simply do not make sense from the perspective of ordinary party members."
The remarks come amid continued discussions over ODM's place within the broad-based government arrangement that emerged following the political truce between President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The speaker maintained that ODM supporters remain focused on the party's current political strategy and are not concerned about the outcome of any private engagement between the two leaders.
"We have one party, ODM, and one party leader, Oburu Oginga. We are part of the broad-based government as directed by Baba Raila Odinga and we will remain there until 2027, when we will determine our next political course," he stated.
He further dismissed the controversy as a distraction, claiming that the party's support base remains intact.
"We have eight million votes and anything else is simply a distraction from the issues that matter to our supporters."
In a concluding message delivered in Dholuo, he wished the two leaders well in resolving their differences, while suggesting that continued disagreements could undermine confidence among their supporters.
"We wish you the best in your private engagement. But if you cannot even agree among yourselves, how can you expect your followers to remain united?" he said.
MWANANCHI
