Revealed: Inside Raila’s secret plot to ‘punish’ Orengo

By Wanderi Kamau

A quiet but calculated political storm is brewing within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), as party leader Raila Odinga reportedly plots to isolate and potentially punish Siaya Governor James Orengo for his recent public dissent against the emerging Raila-Ruto political détente.

Sources privy to inner-party dealings told Newsflash that high-level consultations are underway to clip Orengo’s influence, with some insiders even hinting at a possible impeachment plan—though this remains unsubstantiated at this stage.

The fallout follows a dramatic exchange at the funeral of Raila’s long-time aide George Oduor in Rarieda, Siaya County. Orengo, a seasoned lawyer and long-time Raila ally, stunned mourners and political observers alike with his unvarnished critique of the government’s approach to dissent, cautioning against sycophancy and urging leaders to speak truth to power.

“I don’t do song-praise…I believe that you are the president (Ruto), and we are going to talk. This country will go to the dogs again if the kind of language I am hearing here continues,” Orengo declared in a thinly veiled rebuke directed at both Ruto’s allies and the increasing coziness between the ODM leader and President William Ruto.

The remarks landed poorly among Raila’s inner circle and ignited fury from allies who view the recent Raila-Ruto alliance—framed around a “broad-based government”—as a strategic realignment for political inclusion and national stability. Orengo’s resistance to this new axis is now being interpreted as rebellion, with sources confirming to Newsflash that Raila is under pressure, especially from Ruto’s camp, to rid his fold of dissenters.

Ramogi Professional Caucus faults Orengo

The backlash came swiftly. On Wednesday, the Ramogi Professional Caucus, an influential body of Luo technocrats and elites, publicly condemned Orengo for his “embarrassing” remarks. The group’s chairman, Joshua Nyamori, accused the governor of undermining Raila during a deeply personal moment.

“You embarrassed Rt Hon Raila Amollo Odinga at his lowest moment when a friend had come to mourn with him. You embarrassed the President of the Republic of Kenya,” Nyamori charged, adding that the group tendered its apology to both leaders on behalf of the community.

This rare public reproach underscored how seriously Orengo’s deviation from the ODM script has been taken within Luo Nyanza’s political establishment. Analysts say the swiftness and coordination of the backlash point to a broader plot to politically isolate Orengo.

Atandi emerges Raila’s new pointman

Adding weight to this theory is the involvement of Alego-Usonga MP Sam Atandi—a known Raila loyalist—who launched a scathing attack on Orengo during a parliamentary session and at public events. As the new chair of the National Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee, Atandi is emerging as a powerful figure in the ODM-Ruto convergence, and reportedly speaks for both camps in strategic matters.

Alego-Usonga MP Sam Atandi. Photo/Capital Digital

“Let Governor Orengo focus on Siaya affairs and stop poking his nose into the affairs of national government. Luos were not created to stay in opposition,” Atandi said in a pointed rebuke.

His remarks suggest a coordinated effort to frame Orengo as a rogue element fixated on outdated opposition politics, even as ODM undergoes a fundamental transformation from resistance movement to power-sharing partner.

Sources told Newsflash that Atandi is being strategically positioned to challenge Orengo in 2027, effectively becoming Raila’s enforcer in Siaya. Previously, Orengo was politically checkmated by Opiyo Wandayi, now the Cabinet Secretary for Energy. Atandi’s ascendance signals a changing power matrix in ODM’s traditional bastions.

Why Raila wants to ‘silence’ Orengo

The growing alliance between Raila and Ruto has not only reshaped Kenya’s political landscape but also created new internal fault lines within ODM. According to Newsflash sources, there are four key reasons behind the effort to marginalize Orengo:

Pressure from Ruto: President Ruto is reportedly pushing Raila to purge dissenters within ODM as a condition for deepening their collaboration. This includes not just Orengo but also vocal critics like Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.
Silencing a rising voice: Despite his opposition to the Raila-Ruto pact, Orengo has maintained significant support in Siaya. His grounded rhetoric resonates with a section of the electorate skeptical of the broad-based government, which they see as elite-driven and lacking grassroots input.
Reducing opposition to the pact: The Raila-Ruto alliance faces growing skepticism from within ODM and the wider Azimio coalition. Silencing influential critics like Orengo could be a pre-emptive move to prevent a larger rebellion.
Sending a warning: Party insiders say punishing Orengo would serve as a powerful message to other ODM leaders: toe the line or face political extinction. With Sifuna and Owino also expressing unease, a precedent must be set to deter further insubordination.

The Impeachment whisper

Though no formal process has been initiated, Newsflash has learned that some Raila loyalists have floated the idea of initiating impeachment proceedings against Orengo. However, this option remains highly speculative and politically risky. Orengo retains solid backing in Siaya’s county assembly, and an impeachment would likely trigger a public backlash.

“Nevertheless, the fact that such a drastic option is being discussed speaks volumes about the deepening rift and the stakes involved. Orengo is not just another ODM governor; he is a constitutional heavyweight, co-author of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, and a symbol of principled resistance,” says political analyst Javas Bigambo.