SIAYA, Kenya — Siaya County Governor James Orengo has joined a growing cadre of opposition leaders in strongly defending Canon Ida Odinga following a series of coordinated attacks from a section of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) supporters allied to the broad-based government.
In a stinging rebuke issued on Monday, Governor Orengo expressed deep dismay over the hostile campaign targeted at the former Prime Minister’s widow, terming the aggressive rhetoric an act of political treachery.
“I am shocked and extremely disturbed by the coordinated and mobilized attacks against H.E. Canon Ida Odinga,” Orengo stated. “Mama Ida Odinga was not just Raila’s wife, but a stalwart fighter in the long struggle against oppression, injustice, and despotism.
The vitriol and propaganda directed against the Raila Odinga family smacks of outright betrayal.”
The Senior Counsel accused opportunistic elements within the party structure of compromising ODM’s core founding values for political gain while attempting to erase the legendary opposition leader’s contribution to Kenya’s democratic space.
He asserted that the hostile tone employed by these detractors had been quietly brewing even prior to Raila Odinga’s passing.
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“The language used by these mercenaries was slowly seeping to the surface even when Jakom was still alive,” Orengo remarked. “They have sold the party and now want to throw Raila Odinga’s legacy into the dustbin of history. It will never happen.”
Summarizing his frustration with a poignant Luo proverb, Orengo added, “Wang’ mi chiedho ema gawi”—translating to the Kiswahili idiom “Asante ya punda ni mateke” (a donkey’s appreciation is a kick)—to highlight what he views as profound ingratitude toward the Odinga family’s immense sacrifices for the nation.
Reaffirming his commitment to the historical reform agenda, the governor declared, “Aluta continua!” as opposition loyalists vow to protect Mama Ida and safeguard the family’s legacy against internal party rift.
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