‘Mimi ndio Raila’ JAMES ORENGO DECLARES claim to Odinga Legacy in County 001

Siaya Governor positions himself as the true heir to Raila Odinga’s reform agenda, announces Linda Mwananchi grassroots expansion from Mombasa as opposition gears up for 2027 showdown.

MOMBASA, Kenya – In a dramatic declaration that signals a new chapter in Kenya’s opposition politics, Siaya Governor James Orengo has proclaimed himself the rightful heir to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s political ideals, vowing to carry forward the reform agenda that defined the veteran leader’s five-decade political career.

Speaking during a charged Linda Mwananchi political rally in Changamwe, Mombasa County, Orengo told thousands of cheering supporters: “I am Raila.” The bold assertion underscored his determination to champion the values and objectives associated with the late opposition icon, who died in October 2025 while undergoing treatment in India.

Table of Contents

• The Declaration: ‘I Am Raila’

• Decades of Political Brotherhood

• Linda Mwananchi: A Movement Takes Shape

• A Call for Opposition Unity

• The Road to 2027: What Lies Ahead

• Related Coverage

The Declaration: ‘I Am Raila’

Orengo, who has served alongside Raila Odinga for decades, told supporters that his political journey had equipped him with the experience needed to steer the opposition’s agenda and defend the interests of Kenyans. The declaration came as the Linda Mwananchi movement intensifies its grassroots mobilization efforts ahead of the 2027 General Election.

“After Raila, I am the one left to continue the struggle. I fear no one, and I am ready to face Ruto in 2027.”

— James Orengo, Siaya Governor

The Siaya governor did not mince words when addressing the current state of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), accusing sections of the party leadership of aligning with President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration.

“I want to tell the MPs here in Mombasa that the ODM you know was sold to William Ruto. Those who are now protecting their own interests have nothing to offer. Join Linda Mwananchi instead.”

Decades of Political Brotherhood

Orengo’s claim to Raila’s political mantle is rooted in a political partnership that spans more than three decades. The two men stood together through some of Kenya’s most tumultuous political moments—from the fight for multiparty democracy in the early 1990s to the reform battles that shaped the 2010 Constitution.

In a recent interview, Orengo opened up about the emotional and political vacuum left by Raila’s death, saying he had “not really come to terms” with the loss because Raila consistently believed there was “still business to be done” in Kenya’s reform agenda.

According to the Siaya governor, Raila’s willingness to occasionally engage with governments he strongly opposed was driven by a desire to secure reforms and improve governance rather than political compromise.

“Changes that we anticipated to be well in place under the new constitution are not quite in place.”

— James Orengo, reflecting on Raila’s unfinished reform agenda

Raila died in October 2025 while undergoing treatment in Kerala, India, ending a political career that shaped Kenya’s opposition politics and reform movement for decades. His death triggered national mourning and renewed debate about the future of ODM and the broader reform movement.

Linda Mwananchi: A Movement Takes Shape

The Changamwe rally marked a significant milestone for the Linda Mwananchi movement, which Orengo described as the true defender of Raila Odinga’s political legacy. The movement has positioned itself as a more confrontational alternative to the current ODM leadership, which it accuses of compromising with the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Key Announcements from the Changamwe Rally:

Orengo’s faction has declared it will field its own presidential candidate in 2027, a move that lays bare deep cracks within the opposition party.

“By 2027, Linda Mwananchi must have a presidential candidate.”

— James Orengo

The movement has been conducting a series of rallies across the country, drawing massive crowds in Nakuru, Kisumu, and now Mombasa. Leaders allied to the movement have also visited Raila Odinga’s gravesite at Kango Jaramogi in Bondo as part of their mobilization tour.

The Linda Mwananchi Leadership

The faction has established a parallel leadership structure that directly challenges ODM’s existing hierarchy:

• Acting Party Leader: James Orengo (Siaya Governor)

• Deputy Leader: Godfrey Osotsi (Vihiga Senator)

• Secretary General: Edwin Sifuna (Nairobi Senator)

Orengo has insisted that Sifuna remains the legitimate secretary general of ODM, stating: “Do not be deluded. The secretary-general of Raila’s party, ODM, is Edwin Sifuna.”

A Call for Opposition Unity

While positioning himself as Raila’s political heir, Orengo also called for greater unity among opposition parties, saying a united front would strengthen efforts to provide an alternative leadership for the country.

He urged opposition leaders to unite behind a single presidential candidate capable of defeating President Ruto in the 2027 General Election, warning that a divided opposition would struggle to unseat the incumbent.

“A divided opposition would struggle to unseat the incumbent.”

— James Orengo

The movement has also received support from unexpected quarters. Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata recently declared that Linda Mwananchi is “the only political outfit capable of liberating Kenya” ahead of the 2027 elections.

Criticism of the Kenya Kwanza Administration

Orengo was sharply critical of the Kenya Kwanza administration, accusing it of failing to honour agreements reached with Raila and the opposition. He maintained that Kenyans were still grappling with a:

• High cost of living

• Unemployment

• Governance challenges

despite promises made by the government.

He also warned against what he termed the “selling of the party,” insisting that the Luo community would not be used as a bargaining chip in national politics.

“As Luos, we are not beggars. I warned them against going to State House in our name, but they still went.”

— James Orengo

The Road to 2027: What Lies Ahead

Orengo’s declaration in Changamwe is the latest chapter in a rapidly evolving political landscape. With President Ruto consolidating his political base ahead of 2027, the opposition is yet to settle on a unified challenger.

Analysts say the Linda Mwananchi declaration reflects growing impatience among a section of ODM leaders pushing for a more assertive opposition, even as questions of succession loom large.

What to Watch:

1. Grassroots Expansion: The movement’s plan to open offices nationwide, starting with Mombasa, will test its organizational capacity and grassroots appeal.

2. ODM’s Response: The party’s leadership faces a critical choice—engage with the breakaway faction or risk a permanent split.

3. Presidential Candidate: With Linda Mwananchi declaring it will field its own candidate, the question of who that candidate will be remains unresolved.

4. Coalition Building: Orengo’s call for opposition unity raises questions about whether Linda Mwananchi can forge alliances with other opposition parties.

Voices from the Rally

The Changamwe rally attracted a significant crowd of opposition supporters, with the Linda Mwananchi leadership expected to tour the Coast region later this week to officially open new offices for the movement.

Leaders will also meet grassroots officials to strategize on strengthening and expanding the movement ahead of the next General Election.

Orengo further urged young people to register as voters, saying “the ballot remains the most powerful tool for determining the country’s future.”

Key Takeaways