Siaya Governor James Orengo defends Ida Odinga and links criticism of the family to disputes over ODM’s future after Raila’s death.
Siaya Governor James Orengo has condemned Ida Odinga attacks, describing them as coordinated attempts to undermine Raila Odinga’s legacy. He accused unnamed critics of betraying the political principles associated with the late former Prime Minister.
In a statement on X on Monday, Orengo expressed alarm over the hostility towards Raila’s widow. He also defended her contribution to Kenya’s struggle against oppression, injustice and authoritarian rule.
Orengo argued that Ida’s place in Kenya’s political history extends beyond her marriage to Raila. In his view, attacks on her and the wider Odinga family also threaten the former opposition leader’s legacy.
Orengo challenges Ida Odinga attacks
The governor accused those targeting the family of spreading propaganda and using inflammatory language. However, he did not name the individuals behind the alleged campaign.
He linked the criticism to a broader political dispute over the Orange Democratic Movement’s direction following Raila’s death. Orengo also alleged that hostility towards the family had begun emerging while Raila was still alive.
He maintained that the current tensions therefore reflected divisions that predated the former Prime Minister’s death. His statement portrayed the criticism as disloyalty towards both the family and the political movement Raila led.
Orengo further accused unnamed individuals of abandoning the party’s principles and seeking to erase Raila’s historical contribution. He said he would resist attempts to diminish the late leader’s legacy.
ODM faces questions over its future
Meanwhile, ODM faces debate over its future leadership and its relationship with President William Ruto’s broad-based government. Discussions also centre on the party’s direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Raila’s death has raised questions about how ODM will protect his political legacy while managing competing interests. The party also faces the task of maintaining unity among its leaders and supporters as political realignments continue.
Ida has remained a prominent public figure through decades of association with Raila’s activism and democratic reform campaigns. Orengo cited that history as a reason to recognise her political contribution in her own right.
A message against perceived disloyalty
To close his statement, Orengo used a Luo proverb and supplied a Swahili equivalent about repaying kindness with kicks. The expression conveyed his frustration with what he regarded as ingratitude towards the Odinga family.
He also ended with a declaration that the struggle continues, reinforcing his pledge to defend Raila’s legacy.
