ODM Will Field A Presidential Candidate in 2027 — James Orengo

Led by Siaya Governor James Aggrey Bob Orengo, the leaders said its by fielding the candidate that the party will thrive and hold onto its position as one of the largest political parties in the continent of Africa even after 2027.

Siaya Governor James Aggrey Bob Orengo addresses mourners at the burial of business magnate John Orwenjo Umidha on Saturday 28th September 2024. Photo | Directorate of Communication CGS

Orengo expressed fear that ODM risked imminent annihilation just like Jubilee if it did not field a presidential candidate in the next General Elections..

He also insisted that ODM will not enter into a coalition with any outfit but will launch the “mother of all campaigns” with an aim of reviving or re-activating its campaign structures.

“it cannot be that the biggest party in Africa will not be having a Presidential candidate in 2027. ODM must remain our party and identity,” he firmly asserted.

Kasipul MP Charles Ongondo Were (center) also came to mourn Orwenjo “Maama”. Photo | Directorate of Communication CGS

The Siaya Governor was speaking at the internment of Siaya business magnate John Orwenjo Umidha on Saturday 28 September 2024. Also present was ODM Party Chairperson Gladys Wanga who reiterated that ODM will capture power in the next general elections.

“Next polls we will form the government and we shall no longer beg for positions,” said Wanga, adding “Raila’s soldiers are intact, we only need to bring our heads together and roll out aggressive campaigns and revive countrywide structures.”

Other speakers averred that ODM Party should intensify recruitment and ensure its network is alive ahead of the polls.

Kenya was teetering on the brink of collapse during the anti-government protests that rocked the Country for close to two months. It is but quick intervention by Raila Amollo Odinga and his strategy of seconding his men to the government somehow diffused the situation.

Kasipul MP Charles Ongondo Were echoed the sentiments of Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo that ODM is not in government yet, and its therefore misleading for the party to rest in its laurels.

“We are only enjoying come-we-stay arrangements where the dowry that cements the marriage is paid once the groom has proven her worth,’ Ongondo said.

Ongondo further added that so far, UDA/ODM relation is still warm and not frosty.

He warned that noone should be dupped into thinking that the Ruto administration co-opting some ODM leaders to its ranks that does not mean a coalition has been crafted.

Former Chairman of Siaya County Council Aggrey Onyango (centre) was among the notable mourners.

ODM Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen maintained that a coalition can only exist if Governor Orengo champions and leads to the inking of the deal.

Makadara MP George Aladwa criticized ODM leaders who jumped ship too early and ditched Party Leader Raila to join the government.

“Those who distanced themselves from Raila and joined government before the crafting of the broad-based arrangement should be considered last for key positions after Raila die-hards have secured their posts,” said Aladwa.

Ongwen at the same time warned ODM leaders against wading into the quicksands of President Ruto and his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua wrangles.

Left to right: Township Ward MCA James Obiero Otare, Speaker of the County Assembly George Okode, ODM Party Chairperson and the Governor of Homabay, Gladys Atieno Wanga Nyasuna. Photo | Directorate of Communication CGS

He said ODM should not be seen as taking sides in the animosity between the president and his Deputy.

The ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party is currently in a quagmire with known pro-Ruto MPs openly advocating for the Impeachment of Gachagua.