Speaking at a time when succession debates within ODM are quietly gaining momentum, Orengo made it clear that he has no intention of abandoning the party or allowing its influence to wane.
He emphasised that ODM remains a formidable political force and insisted that its legacy, closely tied to party leader Raila Odinga, must be protected at all costs.
“I am in ODM to stay. We will not sit back and watch the legacy of Raila or the strength of ODM diminish,” Orengo stated, in remarks that signal resistance to any attempts to weaken the party from within or outside.
His comments come against the backdrop of shifting alliances and internal manoeuvres as key figures position themselves ahead of the 2027 general election.
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While some leaders have explored new political paths or hinted at alternative formations, Orengo’s stance underscores a faction determined to consolidate ODM’s base rather than fragment it.
The Siaya governor, a long-time ally of Odinga and one of ODM’s most seasoned strategists, framed his position as both ideological and strategic.
He suggested that preserving ODM is not just about loyalty to an individual, but about safeguarding a movement that has shaped Kenya’s opposition politics for over a decade.
Observers interpret Orengo’s remarks as a signal to both supporters and rivals that the battle for ODM’s future is already underway.
His declaration also reinforces the growing narrative of a stay and fight camp within the party, committed to maintaining its identity even as succession questions loom.
As the political temperature gradually rises, Orengo’s firm tone is likely to energise grassroots supporters while also drawing clear lines within ODM’s leadership ranks.
Whether this translates into unity or further internal contestation remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the fight for ODM’s legacy is far from over.
