A political dispute has emerged within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as several party leaders have strongly criticized Siaya Governor James Orengo for his continued opposition to the collaboration between ODM leader Raila Odinga and President William Ruto. This situation has led to sharp exchanges and highlights the divisions within the party regarding the broad-based government.

Legislators from ODM have openly criticized Orengo's defiant stance against President Ruto’s government. Since the formation of this broad-based government, Orengo has been critical, particularly of ODM leaders who support Ruto. During a church service in Migori County, Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga challenged Orengo to leave ODM if he was dissatisfied with the Ruto-Odinga pact. Oburu stated, "I don't know why my governor Orengo is annoyed... the truth of the matter is ODM is in broad-based government... why don't they move out?"

Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi accused Orengo of sabotaging the nation's development and the success of the broad-based government. Atandi also referenced Orengo’s past political activism, saying, "Some leaders in this community are promising that they are willing to go back to jail or the streets... some of them are so advanced in age that if they go to jail they will not come out because jail is like hell." He assured President Ruto of support from the Nyanza region, stating that the Luo community would support him up to 2032.

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi also criticized Orengo, asserting that they “have no regrets joining the broad-based government.”

In response, Governor Orengo has criticized ODM members for blindly following President Ruto without questioning his administration's actions. He stated, "The law can never be suspended, you must always live by the dictates of the Constitution... Even if you make compromises, you must do so on principle. Don't be part of praise and worship, we must stand firm." During a burial, Orengo urged ODM supporters to stand up and fight for their rights, saying, "I cannot be a praise-singer... This country will go to the dogs again if the kind of language we hear continues... If anything is brought to Siaya County, it will be as a matter of right, not as a favour."

Mr. Odinga has defended Orengo, stating that the Siaya Governor has not committed any crime and should not be censured for voicing his political opinions. “When Mr. James Orengo talks, he’s talking on the basis of MoU between ODM and UDA... He has not committed any crime, he’s got a democratic right to say what he wants to say,” said Odinga.

Samuel Atandi issued a sharp warning to Nyanza leaders opposing President Ruto’s administration, saying their time has passed and that the Luo community is fully aligned with the current government. He cautioned opposition leaders against returning to street protests, calling their approach outdated and self-destructive.

Atandi also thanked President Ruto for his support to the Luo community, citing key appointments and budgetary allocations. He dismissed claims that the Luo community was misleading the President, insisting that they were committed to working with the government. He praised the appointment of Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo, urging the President to entrust him with more responsibilities.

Orengo reaffirmed his commitment to speaking out against the Ruto administration, declaring that his voice would remain steadfast in defense of justice and constitutionalism. He stated, "The truth shall set you free... I cannot let Kenya or my community down by not speaking the truth... If there is anybody who wants to take any action against me, let them know I’ve been through trials and tribulations before." He added that he was guided by the legacy of political giants and would remain loyal to their ideals.

President Ruto, during the same church service in Migori, reinforced the government’s message of unity and inclusion, insisting that the pact with ODM was about service not politics. He urged leaders to set aside personal rivalry and focus on service delivery, emphasizing building roads, improving healthcare, creating jobs, and ensuring no part of Kenya is left behind. “There is greater benefit in us collaborating than in competing for individual success,” said President Ruto.