Orengo Condemns Attacks on Ida Odinga, Accuses Critics of Betraying Raila’s Legacy
Orengo said he was shocked and disturbed by what he termed organised attacks against Ida, whom he described as more than Raila’s wife, citing her role in the struggle against oppression, injustice and despotism.
Siaya Governor James Orengo has spoken out against what he characterized as coordinated assaults on Canon Ida Odinga, accusing her detractors of betraying the legacy of the late opposition leader Raila Odinga. In a post on the social media platform X on Monday, Orengo expressed shock and concern over the coordinated attacks against Ida, whom he praised for her contributions beyond being the wife of Raila and her role in fighting oppression, injustice, and tyranny.
"I am shocked and extremely disturbed by the coordinated and mobilized attacks against H.E Canon Ida Odinga," Orengo stated. He defended Ida's impact on Kenya's political history, arguing that criticism of her and the Odinga family equated to an attack on Raila's legacy. Ida, a key figure in Kenya's public life, has been a steadfast presence in the nation's political landscape, having been part of Raila's political journey for decades.
Orengo accused those behind the attacks of using inflammatory rhetoric and propaganda against the Odinga family, warning that this reflected a deeper political disagreement over the direction of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) following Raila's demise. "The vitriol and propaganda directed against the Raila Odinga family smacks of treachery and betrayal," he asserted.
Orengo also argued that the hostility currently being directed at the Odinga family had been brewing before Raila's death, indicating that political tensions had been simmering for some time. According to him, the hostile language used by some individuals against the family had started surfacing even while Raila was alive. He accused unnamed individuals of forsaking the political principles linked to Raila's leadership and attempting to erase his legacy from Kenya's political history.
"The language used by the mercenaries was slowly seeping on the surface even when Jakom was still alive," Orengo cited, accusing the unnamed people of abandoning the party and seeking to discard Raila's legacy. He vowed that such an outcome would never occur. Orengo did not name the individuals he was referring to in his statement.
His remarks come as political deliberations unfold over the future leadership of ODM, its relationship with President William Ruto’s coalition government, and the party's path ahead of the 2027 General Election. Raila's passing has raised questions about how ODM will honor his political legacy while navigating internal party dynamics and the broader opposition scene.
Orengo concluded his statement with a Luo proverb, "Wang’ Michietho ema gawi," which he translated as "Asante ya punda ni mateke," meaning a donkey pays back kindness with kicks. This expression seemed to reflect his frustration with what he views as disloyalty towards the Odinga family and the political movement associated with Raila.
He ended his statement with "Aluta continua," meaning "the struggle continues," indicating his resolve to champion the former Prime Minister's political legacy. Orengo's intervention contributes to the ongoing discourse surrounding Raila’s legacy and the political trajectory of ODM following the late leader's death. The party is grappling with the task of sustaining unity among its leaders and supporters as political alignments intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
Orengo’s statement highlights the rifts surrounding the party's future and the enduring importance of the Odinga family in discussions about ODM’s identity and political direction.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
