Orengo, Sifuna and ODM Rebel Leaders Attend Church Service in Kawangware
On Sunday, January 25, 2026, a group of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders, often referred to as rebels due to their opposition to the party’s current direction, came together for a joint church service in Kawangware, Nairobi. The event stood in contrast to the official party activities elsewhere, highlighting deepening divisions within ODM.
Key Rebel Leaders Present at the Service
The gathering was led by ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and included prominent figures such as:
- Siaya Governor James Orengo
- ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi
- Embakasi East MP Babu Owino
- Saboti MP Caleb Amisi
- Kitutu Masaba MP Cleive Gesairo
- Bomachoge Borabu MP Obadiah Barongo
- Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo
- Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka
These leaders form part of Sifuna’s Kenya Moja Caucus and have consistently voiced dissent against ODM’s recent moves.
Contrast with Official ODM Linda Ground Forum in Kisii
While the rebel group worshiped in Kawangware, the majority of the ODM fraternity participated in the party’s Linda Ground Forum in Kisii County. This forum followed a resolution from ODM’s Central Management Committee (CMC), which tasked Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga with leading structured talks toward a potential pact with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
None of the Kawangware attendees have taken part in these Linda Ground Forums, underscoring their rejection of the party’s current trajectory.
Opposition to ODM-UDA Pact and Broad-Based Government
The leaders at the church service are united in their criticism of ODM’s push for a coalition with UDA and the broader broad-based government approach. They argue that such moves risk diluting the party’s legacy and national character.
Orengo Warns Against Reducing ODM to a Regional Outfit
Siaya Governor James Orengo, a vocal critic, emphasized that ODM — which has maintained a national outlook for over two decades under the late Raila Odinga — could be diminished into a Luo-centric or regional party if it proceeds with the UDA alignment. He has repeatedly stressed the need for ODM to field its own presidential candidate in 2027 to preserve its identity and principles.
Calls to Uphold Raila’s 10-Point Agenda
Godfrey Osotsi echoed similar sentiments, criticizing the rush into a coalition agreement. He advocated instead for prioritizing the 10-point agenda that the late Raila Odinga championed, which even underpinned his earlier cooperation with President William Ruto.
Challenges to Oburu Odinga’s Leadership Role
A significant point of contention is the leadership of Oburu Odinga following Raila Odinga’s passing. Leaders like Babu Owino and Caleb Amisi have publicly questioned his position.
- Babu Owino has argued that leadership should transition through a National Delegates Conference (NDC), not appointment. Drawing a biblical analogy, he compared the situation to Moses passing leadership to a younger Joshua rather than his contemporary Aaron, positioning himself as a potential successor.
- Caleb Amisi has described Oburu’s installation as illegal, insisting that the party leader must be elected at an NDC, not appointed.
These statements reflect broader frustrations within the rebel faction, who see the current leadership structure as bypassing democratic party processes.
The Kawangware church service served as a visible display of unity among the dissenting leaders, signaling ongoing internal debates within ODM as the party navigates its future direction and preparations for 2027.
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Orengo, Sifuna and ODM Rebel Leaders Attend Church Service in Kawangware