ODM Rebukes James Orengo Over Ksh350M Fund Case Claims in Escalating Party Row
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has sharply contradicted claims by Siaya Governor James Orengo regarding his role in a high-stakes legal battle over the Political Parties Fund, deepening internal tensions within the opposition outfit.
In a strongly worded statement issued on May 5, ODM dismissed Orengo’s assertion that he personally initiated the litigation that culminated in a multibillion-shilling payout ruling, insisting instead that the case was a collective party decision.
“We have noted the claim by Gov. James Orengo that he personally initiated the matter. With respect, that position is not accurate,” the party said. “The true position, as borne out by the Party’s records, is that the National Executive Committee deliberated on the issue and formally resolved that the case be filed on behalf of the Party.”
Dispute Over Legal Representation
According to ODM, Orengo was subsequently brought on board in his capacity as a senior party member to offer legal services on a pro bono basis. However, the party claims he instead introduced the law firm of Julie Soweto, which took over the matter—effectively transforming what had been framed as voluntary legal representation into a contractual engagement.
The case resulted in landmark victories for ODM at both the High Court in 2016 and the Court of Appeal in 2018, after which Soweto’s firm was paid Ksh40 million in legal fees.
ODM further alleged that the payment demand caught party leadership off guard, including the late Raila Odinga, who is said to have described Orengo and his associates as “mercenaries.”
“There was nothing ‘pro bono’ about the arrangement,” the statement added.
Payment Claims and Ongoing Legal Battle
The party also made the explosive claim that documentary evidence exists showing that Orengo personally received a portion of the payments—an allegation that could further inflame the already simmering dispute.
“The documentary trail in this regard is clear and verifiable, and Hon. Orengo has personally received these payments,” ODM stated.
The controversy is now at the centre of an ongoing High Court case, where ODM is battling the Soweto-led firm over legal fee claims exceeding Ksh350 million tied to the same matter.
Ethics Concerns Raised
ODM underscored that as a Senior Counsel, Orengo is bound by strict professional and ethical obligations, including advocate-client confidentiality. The party urged him to publicly acknowledge that he was compensated for legal services, contrary to the initial understanding that his role would be pro bono.
Fallout From Funding Row
The renewed friction comes in the wake of a May 4 press conference in which ODM demanded the release of Ksh12 billion it claims is owed to the party under the Political Parties Fund.
The funds became a flashpoint after a court ruling declared the government’s move to reduce party allocations to Ksh800 million unlawful—a decision ODM attributes to the disputed legal proceedings.
In response to ODM’s demands, Orengo criticised factions within the party, including Linda Mwananchi, accusing them of launching personal attacks against him while failing to recognise what he maintains was his central role in initiating the case.
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