ODM Party Will Not Enter into A Merger with Any Party – James Orengo

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Siaya Governor James Aggrey Bob Orengo has said that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party will not be disbanded neither will it enter into a merger with any other party.

Orengo who was speaking at a fundraiser at Ulumbi ACK church in Rarieda Constituency said rather than abandon ODM Party the time had come to fortify party structures and make the party ( billed as one of the largest in Africa) more formidable.

Governor James Aggrey Bob Orengo (fifth from left—in green flower shirt) at the Ulumbi ACK Church on Sunday 13 October, 2024. Photos : Directorate of Communication, Siaya County Government

The Governor further said that no government flourishes without being anchored on party philosophy and ideology.

“We shall not be party to any initiatives aimed at disbanding or merging the ODM party with other coalitions,” said Orengo, adding “Going forward ODM Party will be our instrument of power.”

Orengo also said that former Premier Raila Odinga’s political strength was renewed each time he faced obstacles due to the strength of ODM Party.

“President William Ruto ran to Raila and sought for his strategy to end the political crisis in the country not because of anything else but because ODM Party is vibrant, strong and stable

“We all know that there were several parties in the Azimio coalition including Jubilee that was led by ex-President Uhuru Kenyatta but when Ruto faced a crisis, he sought audience with Raila Amollo Odinga. What followed was that tranquility was maintained and the country prevented from plunging into chaos.” said the Siaya Governor.

Orengo reiterated his earlier calls that co-opting a handful of ODM experts into the government will not stop ODM Party from criticizing the government when the need arises.

Orengo cautioned ODM leaders recently absorbed into the Ruto-led government to tread carefully when dealing with ‘friends’ in government lest they ruin their good reputation.

“I want to warn my brothers who were part of the wider scheme that resolved the country’s political crisis to tread carefully with those in power , Take note that a time is coming soon when we will sideline them when weighty party matters are being discussed,” said Orengo.

He cautioned ODM Party members who are in government that from now henceforth they should keep their antennas up.

“Those whom you think are comfortable with your stay may not only turn against you but also forget you when discussing serious matters that touch the inner core of the system,” said Orengo.

He said some people thought tyranny of numbers would save them from the wrath of politicians keen on ending their political careers.

“Some people thought that their tyranny of numbers could insulate them against the wrath of politicians but that has turned out to be a weak ground that could not stop initiative aimed at sealing their political fate.”

Orengo was accompanied by Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo who assured ODM supporters that this time round they won’t conduct skewed party primaries and whoever wins at the polls will be declared the winner without any shenanigans.

“As the National Deputy ODM Chairman, we are keen on scattering none and gathering all,” said Otiende.

“We will agree on proper nominations and get the right candidates to fly the ODM flag,” he said, adding that whoever wins at the nomination will get a ticket without fail.