Senator Cherargei Calls Out Three Top ODM Leaders for Alleged Sabotage of Broad-Based Government
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has launched a pointed and strongly worded rebuke of three prominent leaders within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), accusing them of persistently working to undermine the effectiveness and integrity of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s broad-based government model.
His remarks, delivered on Thursday, April 24, have added a new layer of tension to the ongoing discourse surrounding the administration’s approach to governance and national development.
Senator Cherargei specifically called out Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, alleging that the trio has, through both public commentary and political maneuvering, sought to sabotage the inclusive and consultative framework adopted by President William Ruto’s government.
According to the senator, these ODM leaders have demonstrated consistent hostility toward the Kenya Kwanza administration, thereby frustrating efforts aimed at fostering unity, equity, and development across the country.
“Governor Nyong’o, James Orengo, and Senator Sifuna have proven themselves to be saboteurs of the broad-based government arrangement,” said Senator Cherargei. “Their rhetoric and actions are not only unconstructive but are also intended to destabilize a system that is committed to representing all Kenyans, regardless of political affiliation.”
Cherargei’s comments came in response to recent statements made by Governor Nyong’o, in which he expressed grave concern over what he characterized as the regression of the Ruto administration to governance practices reminiscent of the Nyayo era—an era preceding the adoption of the 2010 Constitution that ushered in devolved governance.
In his remarks on Tuesday, April 22, Governor Nyong’o accused the current administration of disregarding constitutional principles and attempting to centralize power at the expense of county governments and devolved institutions.
“The truth is that the Ruto regime has decided to go back to pre-devolution times of the Nyayo era. The 2010 Constitution is a hindrance to its primitive accumulation schemes,” Nyong’o asserted. He further warned that this perceived shift poses a serious threat to the foundational goals of building a democratic, equitable, and developmental state.
Adding to the chorus of criticism from within ODM ranks, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna issued a candid critique of President Ruto during the funeral of Raila Odinga’s longtime bodyguard, George Oduor.
Sifuna suggested that many of the challenges facing the Kenya Kwanza government were self-inflicted, citing recent controversies, such as the incident in Nakuru where students from Butere Girls’ High School were barred from performing at a public event. According to Sifuna, such incidents reflect poor leadership and an inability to manage public institutions in a fair and dignified manner.
“Like the Bishop mentioned, your job is very hard, and I agree with him because at some point I usually wonder if you get to sleep. However, there are some difficulties you have imposed on yourself. The Nakuru episode is a perfect example of how this government is creating problems it should be solving,” Sifuna stated during his address.
Governor James Orengo, speaking at the same function, aligned himself with the sentiments expressed by his colleagues but went a step further to question the culture of sycophancy that, in his view, has overtaken the national political discourse. Orengo emphasized the need for leaders to embrace honest criticism and uphold their responsibility to speak truth to power.
“We cannot continue on this path of constant praise-singing. If we do, we will not have a country left to build. Leadership must be accountable, and citizens must claim their rights from the government, not beg for favours,” Orengo said.
In contrast, Senator Cherargei dismissed these critiques as part of a calculated political agenda aimed at discrediting President Ruto’s administration.
He argued that the broad-based government, which seeks to integrate voices from diverse regions and political backgrounds, is a necessary departure from divisive, personality-driven politics. He urged ODM leaders to focus on constructive engagement rather than undermining the administration’s efforts.
“The time for divisive and regressive politics is over. We are building a government that includes all Kenyans—regardless of where they come from or whom they voted for. The constant attacks from these ODM leaders are not only disappointing but detrimental to national cohesion,” Cherargei affirmed.
As the political landscape continues to shift, these exchanges reflect broader debates on the nature of governance, the role of opposition in a democratic society, and the future of devolution in Kenya.
Senator Cherargei’s accusations and the responses from ODM leaders underscore the critical need for dialogue, mutual respect, and adherence to constitutional values in charting the nation’s path forward.
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Senator Cherargei Calls Out Three Top ODM Leaders for Alleged Sabotage of Broad-Based Government
