Orengo says Raila-Ruto MoU anniversary marked by ‘betrayal,’ warns ODM being swallowed by UDA

Siaya Governor James Orengo has issued a scathing statement on the first anniversary of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the late Raila Odinga and President William Ruto, declaring that the occasion had soured into something far darker than a celebration.

"Instead of 7th March 2026 being a day of joy and celebration of the MoU, it has turned out to be a day of betrayal and rage," Orengo said in a press statement released on Saturday.

More than 140 days after the death of Raila Odinga, Orengo warned that the former opposition leader's party – the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) - was being systematically dismantled from within.

"The destruction of his legacy and party ODM is well on course under the stewardship of a cabal of brokers and opportunists," he charged.

On the substance of the MoU, Orengo was unequivocal. "The 10 points Agenda of the MoU are well set, crystallized and targeted like a guided missile," he said, describing it as a concrete blueprint for resolving urgent social, economic and political problems.

He dismissed those who have argued the agreement lacked an end date, saying it was "a callous and irresponsible response to the legitimate demands of the people of Kenya."

Orengo was equally firm that no review was needed to determine whether the MoU had been honoured.

"The ten points agenda in the MoU were specific, concrete and crystal clear. The successful and proper implementation does not require an audit or review. That should be self-evident," he stated.

He also pushed back against attempts to reduce the MoU to a mere party arrangement between ODM and UDA, noting that "it was a blueprint and agenda for the nation."

Tracing ODM's troubles to a specific moment, Orengo pointed to October 16, 2025 - a day before Raila's remains arrived back in Kenya - as the turning point.

"The beginning of the fall of ODM started on 16th October 2025 at State House," he said, adding that "the brokers in ODM are halfway through with the process of having ODM being swallowed by UDA."

Calling on party members to resist what he termed a hostile takeover, Orengo invoked the Constitution, arguing that ODM under Raila had been a model party.

"ODM under Raila was arguably the only party in Kenya that has made great strides in meeting the constitutional requirements and obligations," he said.

"The existence of ODM as a strong national party is not just in the interest of the leaders and members of ODM but national duty. When political parties die our basic law and democracy are weakened."