MP Koech Claims Orengo Used Raila Odinga for Political Survival; ‘Never Believed in Him’

Belgut Constituency Member of Parliament Nelson Koech launched a sharp attack on Siaya Governor James Orengo, accusing him of betraying the late Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga.

Koech claims Orengo never truly believed in Raila and merely leveraged his ODM association to advance his own political career.

Orengo Used Raila for Political Survival, MP Alleges

Speaking in an interview with a local TV station on Thursday, February 5, 2026, Koech argued that Orengo belongs to a group of politicians who survived politically by presenting themselves as loyal Raila allies while failing to deliver for constituents.

“For instance, James Orengo. James Orengo has no history of ever working with Raila Odinga. In fact, he has run against Raila Odinga; he never believed in Raila Odinga, but because he realised that without Raila there was no way he was going to be elected for any political seat in Luo Nyanza, that is the only time that he supported Raila Odinga,” Koech said.

Governor Returns to Old Ways, MP Says

The Belgut legislator claimed that Orengo has now reverted to his earlier political stance after benefiting from his association with Raila Odinga.

“He has gone back to where he was. He never supported Raila Odinga; he never believed in him; he wanted Raila for his own political reasons,” Koech said.

These accusations come amid ongoing political tensions within ODM, raising questions about loyalty and authenticity among politicians who built their careers under Raila Odinga’s leadership.

Koech Targets ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna

Koech also criticized Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, alleging that his opposition to the ODA-United Democratic Alliance (UDA) pact is driven by personal grievances rather than principle.

The MP claimed Sifuna had lobbied for a Cabinet Secretary position in the government and grew resentful when he was passed over.

“Edwin Sifuna had wanted the position of Cabinet Secretary, and when he did not get it, he became a bit giddy. Look at the questions that he poses to those who were picked, especially when they appear before the Senate. They are personal. He looks like an extremely bitter person. I am telling you now that Edwin Sifuna had requested the position of cabinet secretary,” Koech said.

Koech maintained that ODM party leader Oburu Odinga has the authority to make political decisions for the party. He added that those who oppose the party’s direction should consider leaving ODM.

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