VIOLENCE ROCKS ORENGO TOUR IN MBITA AND SINDO AS ODM POWER STRUGGLE DEEPENS

MBITA, Homa Bay — A political storm erupted in Mbita on Friday, May 29 when Siaya Governor James Orengo’s “Linda Mwananchi” campaign was violently disrupted, exposing widening fractures inside the Orange Democratic Movement following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Orengo’s convoy was attacked shortly after disembarking from the Mbita ferry, with stones hurled at vehicles and several supporters injured in clashes he blamed on Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga’s allies. The governor claimed the attackers were “goons working with police officers,” alleging some carried teargas canisters. Two people sustained panga wounds to the head, and multiple vehicles had their windows and windshields shattered. The injured were rushed to Prince Richard Clinic in Mbita as residents and leaders condemned the violence. “This attack was planned,” Orengo told supporters. “But we will not respond to violence with violence.” ODM Succession Battle Turns Ugly: The chaos unfolded against the backdrop of a fierce succession battle in ODM. Orengo, who now refers to himself as the “defector ODM party leader,” accused senior party figures of “selling the party to President William Ruto.” He questioned the speed with which ODM installed Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga—Raila’s elder brother—as acting party leader following Raila’s death in India on October 15, 2025. Oburu was later confirmed by the National Delegates Conference earlier this year. Orengo claimed ODM leaders serving in the broad based government had “betrayed the party’s ideals” and were “enjoying government privileges while Kenyans suffer.” “Poverty has doubled, the cost of living has doubled, and children are dropping out of school,” he said. “Yet some leaders are busy dining with the government.” Orengo Declares 2027 Presidential Bid: In fiery speeches across Rusinga, Mbita, and Sindo, Orengo declared he will run for the presidency in 2027, urging the Luo community not to wait until 2032 as proposed by Treasury Minister John Mbadi and ODM chair Gladys Wanga. “I am the new Raila Odinga,” he said, calling on President Ruto to implement the 10 Point Agenda signed with Raila before his death. He warned that youth unemployment was a “time bomb” and demanded compensation for victims of political violence. He also urged the Luo community to register as voters ahead of the next election cycle. Praise for Tom Mboya, Call for New Luo Leadership: In Mbita, Orengo paid tribute to Tom Mboya’s Airlift Program, saying it opened global educational opportunities for generations of Kenyans. He insisted the Luo community must be “at the table where national leadership is discussed.” He rallied support for leaders he described as “fearless defenders of the community,” including Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo. Despite the violence, Orengo said his tour of Suba North and Suba South was successful, noting he was warmly received by women traders and residents in Rusinga, Mbita, and Sindo.