When James Orengo, Governor of Siaya and member of the Orange Democratic Movement publicly called the broad-based government an "abomination," the reaction rippled through Kenya’s political arena. Within minutes, Raila Odinga, ODM leader and William Ruto, President of Kenya and head of the United Democratic Alliance found themselves in a heated showdown. Adding fuel to the fire, Samson Kiprotich Cherargei, Senator for Nandi County labeled Orengo, Anyang' Nyong'o, Governor of Kisumu, and Edwin Sifuna, ODM Secretary‑General "saboteurs of the unity pact" on Thursday, 24 April 2025. The statements came during a televised interview that would set the tone for a week of blistering accusations.
Inside the Rift: What Sparked the Accusations
The flashpoint was a letter penned by Anyang' Nyong'o earlier in the week. In it, the governor warned that President Ruto’s policies were dragging Kenya back to the "Nyayo era" and eroding the devolution promises of the 2010 Constitution. Critics called the missive populist; supporters said it was a necessary check on power. But the real catalyst was Senator Cherargei’s on‑air tirade. "If a hippopotamus tells you the crocodile is unwell, there’s nothing else to say," he quipped, before branding Nyong'o’s letter as "cheap populism" and accusing Orengo and his allies of undermining the "broad‑based government" they had vowed to support.
Key Players Speak
Within hours, Oburu Odinga, Senator for Siaya confronted Orengo from the pulpit of a Sunday service in Migori County. "People like Orengo are vomiting on us from inside," he shouted, demanding an explanation for what he called "internal sabotage." Meanwhile, Samuel Atandi, MP for Alego Usonga took a different tack, mocking Orengo’s age and past imprisonments. "Some leaders promise they’ll go back to jail, but if they’re that old, jail is like hell," he said, a jab that quickly went viral on social media. In defence of the accused, ODM chief Raila Odinga stood at a funeral in Homa Bay County on 25 April 2025, urging calm. "Our critics are exercising democratic rights within the MoU that governs the partnership with UDA," he declared, pointing to the signed Memorandum of Understanding that allows ODM members to cooperate with the government while retaining opposition status. Why does this matter? Because the MoU, signed on 20 April 2025 in Nairobi, is the legal backbone of the so‑called "broad‑based government" – a power‑sharing deal meant to calm the post‑election tensions of 2022.
Reactions Across the Party
Public statements have been as colourful as the language used. Senator Sifuna posted a YouTube video where he shouted, "Ruto is a liar! I won’t support him in 2027," echoing a sentiment that has been bubbling in ODM’s rank‑and‑file for months. Sources close to President Ruto, who declined to be named, claim that Orengo and Sifuna are engaging in "political blackmail," threatening to pull their support unless the government meets specific demands – demands that remain vague but are believed to revolve around budget allocations to county governments. The media narrative is split. The Daily Nation framed the dispute as a "deepening ideological split" within ODM, while The Standard called it "a power struggle disguised as principled opposition."
What This Means for the Unity Government
At its core, the clash threatens the stability of the coalition that has, so far, managed to pass several key bills, including the 2025 Infrastructure Development Act. If the rift widens, the government could lose its parliamentary majority – a scenario that would force President Ruto to either call fresh elections or seek a new alliance. Analysts at the Institute of Governance in Kenya warn that the internal discord could embolden opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general election. "A fractured ODM may split its vote, handing a clearer path to the ruling UDA," said Dr. Miriam Njeri, a political scientist at the University of Nairobi.
Looking Ahead: The Road to 2027
Both sides appear entrenched. Orengo insists the partnership is an "abomination" that betrays ODM’s grassroots, while Odinga urges dialogue, reminding members that the MoU is a strategic bridge, not a surrender. The next weeks will likely see a series of parliamentary motions, possibly a formal vote of confidence in the coalition. If the vote fails, Kenya could see a caretaker government leading up to the next election cycle.
- April 24, 2025 – Senator Cherargei brands key ODM figures as saboteurs.
- April 25, 2025 – Raila Odinga defends colleagues at a funeral in Homa Bay.
- April 27, 2025 – Expected parliamentary debate on the MoU’s implementation.
- Mid‑2026 – Possible leadership contest within ODM ahead of 2027.
Key Takeaways
Kenya’s political landscape is once again at a crossroads. Whether the "broad‑based government" endures or collapses will hinge on how quickly ODM can reconcile its internal contradictions and whether President Ruto is willing to compromise on the devolution agenda.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sparked the accusations against Governor Orengo?
The flare‑up began after Senator Samson Kiprotich Cherargei publicly called Orengo, Governor Anyang' Nyong'o, and Senator Edwin Sifuna "saboteurs" of the broad‑based government on 24 April 2025, following a controversial letter by Nyong'o criticizing President Ruto’s central‑government policies.
Which parties are involved in the unity pact?
The partnership is between the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) led by Raila Odinga and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) headed by President William Ruto. It is underpinned by a Memorandum of Understanding signed in Nairobi on 20 April 2025.
How might this conflict affect the 2027 elections?
If ODM remains divided, its vote could fragment, giving the ruling UDA a clearer path to victory. Conversely, a reconciled ODM could mount a strong challenge, especially if it re‑asserts its opposition stance while retaining the benefits of the coalition.
What are the main grievances of the ODM members?
Key concerns include perceived centralisation of power by President Ruto, delayed transfer of funds to county governments, and the belief that the partnership undermines ODM’s historic opposition identity.
Is there any chance the MoU will be renegotiated?
Both sides have hinted at possible revisions, especially around fiscal responsibilities to counties. However, any renegotiation will likely require a formal parliamentary process and broad consensus within ODM, which remains uncertain.
J T
October 16, 2025 AT 22:14Orengo's tantrum is pure drama 🤦♂️
A Lina
October 21, 2025 AT 01:40What we’re seeing is a textbook case of factional infighting that threatens to undermine the coalition’s policy agenda. The terminology of “saboteurs” is deliberately hyperbolic, meant to pressure the MoU’s fiscal provisions. By framing the dissent as a betrayal of the unity pact, senior ODM brass are signaling zero tolerance for deviation. However, the underlying grievance-delayed devolutionary transfers-remains unaddressed. In short, the political theatre masks a substantive budgetary dispute.
Virginia Balseiro
October 25, 2025 AT 05:05Hold on, let’s not dismiss the emotional turbulence as mere theater; the stakes are deeply personal for many ODM cadres who feel the central government is overstepping constitutional boundaries. First, the fear of a re‐centralized bureaucracy resurfaces whenever budget allocations stall, rekindling memories of the Nyayo era. Second, the rhetoric of “saboteurs” fuels an us‐vs‐them narrative that can erode the very coalition that keeps Kenya’s parliament functioning. Third, the media amplification of these outbursts creates a feedback loop, where every soundbite becomes a rallying cry for the next protest. Fourth, the grassroots activists are already mobilizing, organizing town‐hall meetings to press for clearer devolution guarantees. Fifth, the internal discord distracts from pressing national projects like the Infrastructure Development Act, which requires bipartisan support. Sixth, the unity government’s credibility takes a hit each time a senior figure brands a colleague an “abomination.” Seventh, the historical context-ODM’s legacy of opposition-means that any perceived compromise is met with suspicion. Eighth, the legal framework of the MoU, while binding, contains ambiguities that both sides can exploit. Ninth, the upcoming parliamentary debate on the MoU’s implementation will likely become a battleground for these competing visions. Tenth, the specter of the 2027 elections looms, and a fractured ODM could hand the ruling UDA a decisive advantage. Eleventh, internal party mechanisms, such as the leadership contest slated for mid–2026, may be hijacked by this rift. Twelfth, the public’s trust in political institutions wanes when elected officials prioritize infighting over governance. Thirteenth, the diaspora and international observers watch closely, interpreting Kenya’s stability through these internal struggles. Fourteenth, the long‐term solution requires a frank dialogue that respects both devolutionary aspirations and national cohesion. Fifteenth, until those conversations happen, the political landscape will remain a volatile mix of accusation, accusation, and more accusation, leaving ordinary Kenyans caught in the crossfire.
Jared Mulconry
October 29, 2025 AT 04:06It might help to step back and look for common ground rather than amplifying the blame game. Both sides share a genuine desire for Kenya’s development, even if they disagree on the path. A moderated forum where county leaders can voice budget concerns could reduce the rhetoric. Let’s aim for a constructive compromise that safeguards devolution while keeping the coalition stable.
Brandon Rosso
November 2, 2025 AT 19:13Despite the current turbulence, I remain optimistic that the ODM and UDA can forge a workable path forward. History shows that political coalitions often survive early frictions when leaders commit to transparent negotiations. By adhering to the stipulations of the MoU and prioritizing national interests, we can preserve the legislative momentum and deliver critical infrastructure projects. Let us focus on policy outcomes rather than personal attacks.
Tracee Dunblazier
November 7, 2025 AT 10:20The recent statements, while emotionally charged, nevertheless lack substantive policy detail. It would be prudent for all parties to reference the precise clauses of the MoU before issuing such proclamations. A measured approach grounded in legal interpretation could temper the current hostility.
Edward Garza
November 13, 2025 AT 05:13Orengo’s remarks are just political posturing, nothing more.
Allen Rodi
November 19, 2025 AT 00:06While the comment captures the frustration, it’s worth noting that the underlying budgetary issues are real and affect county services.
Jody Webster
November 24, 2025 AT 19:00Really?? This whole “saboteur” drama??? It’s just politik…
Steve Goodger
November 30, 2025 AT 13:53Friends, let’s consider the broader context before we rush to judgment. Kenya’s devolved system, established by the 2010 Constitution, was designed to empower local governments, yet its implementation has been uneven. The frustration expressed by Governor Orengo and his allies stems from legitimate concerns about delayed fiscal transfers that impede service delivery at the county level. At the same time, the President’s office has a responsibility to maintain macro‐economic stability, which sometimes necessitates phased disbursements. By acknowledging both perspectives, we can foster a dialogue that respects the autonomy of counties while ensuring national fiscal prudence. Moreover, engaging civil society organizations in these discussions can provide independent oversight and bridge gaps between political actors. In practice, creating a joint oversight committee with representation from ODM, UDA, and county officials could institutionalize this dialogue. Such a body would monitor fund flows, address grievances promptly, and recommend adjustments to the MoU as needed. Ultimately, the goal should be to transform this discord into a collaborative effort that strengthens Kenya’s democratic fabric and promotes equitable development across all regions.