In a political landscape long dominated by familiar giants, James Orengo has staged a striking comeback—one that is increasingly difficult to ignore.
At the charged Linda Mwananchi ODM rally in Kisumu, the Siaya Governor proved that whispers of political decline can be dramatically overturned. Though age may have softened his once razor-sharp delivery, Orengo’s presence carried a different weight—measured, deliberate, and unmistakably defiant.
Despite swirling rumours of hired goons allegedly mobilised to disrupt the gathering, Orengo showed up—and more importantly, held his ground. In a striking show of grassroots loyalty, wananchi formed a human shield around his entourage, escorting him into the rally. Behind this choreography was Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, whose organizational influence—honed since his days at the University of Nairobi—proved central to the event’s success.
The rally’s impact went beyond optics. It exposed a leadership vacuum within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), reinforcing the argument that the party needs a decisive political anchor rather than a symbolic figurehead. In this context, figures like Oburu Odinga increasingly appear peripheral to the party’s evolving centre of gravity.
The success in Kisumu also dealt a political blow to Alego-Usonga MP Samuel Onunga Atandi, who had earlier dismissed the possibility of the rally taking place. The turnout effectively underscored a harsh reality: in the arena of political mobilisation and strategy, Orengo operates on a markedly higher plane.
Meanwhile, the rival “Linda Ground” faction faces a credibility challenge in Nyanza. Its leadership—Gladys Wanga, Junet Mohammed, and John Mbadi—is widely perceived as adept at negotiating political space rather than commanding organic grassroots momentum, a perception that may hinder its appeal among voters seeking authenticity.
The crowd’s reception underscored a shifting tide. Babu Owino electrified the atmosphere, publicly embracing Orengo with the now-viral declaration: “Baba yetu Orengo.” The phrase hinted at an emerging succession narrative within ODM, particularly as the influence of Raila Odinga evolves.
Observers were quick to revisit moments once dismissed as theatrics. Orengo’s past chant of “Jowi! Jowi!” during a symbolic ceremony at the burial of Raila Amollo Odinga now reads less like comedy and more like early political signaling—a veteran quietly positioning himself for a larger role.
Recent Linda Mwananchi rallies across Mombasa (Tononoka Grounds), Vihiga, and Kakamega have stirred regional momentum. Yet it is Kisumu that crystallised Orengo’s resurgence. His messaging has sharpened, his tone more urgent—frequently invoking his identity as Nyatieng’ and asserting authority as acting party leader.
For seasoned observers, the imagery evoked echoes of a bygone era—when Orengo, alongside the late Kenneth Matiba and Martin Shikuku confronted state power during the Second Liberation. That same defiant spirit, once thought dimmed, has re-emerged. And with the legitimate ODM Party Secretary-general Edwin Sifuna and Deputy Party leader Osotsi by his side, there’s no denying Orengo’s credibility.
Even as speculation swirls—including unverified claims that a Siaya politician received KSh 30 million to sabotage the rally—the broader narrative remains intact. Whatever intelligence may be reaching president William Ruto, the political reality on the ground points in one direction.
Orengo is rising—steadily, strategically, and in defiance of both internal party resistance and external pressure.
He may not have fully recreated the firebrand of old, but what has emerged may be more potent: a seasoned political tactician, resilient and recalibrated, refusing to fade quietly—and possibly reshaping ODM’s future in the process.
