Siaya Governor James Orengo has criticized a section of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders for following President William Ruto blindly.

Speaking during an event on Saturday January 18, 2025, Orengo urged members of ODM to point out errors in the Kenya Kwanza government and seek accountability from the government.

Orengo was speaking during the burial ceremony of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) chairperson Roseline Odede in Uyoma Rarieda Sub-county.

“When (Adolf) Hitler formed the government, it was a coalition and that coalition died so I pray for ODM to withstand any storm,” said Orengo.

“Even if you make compromises, you must do so on principle. Don’t be part of praise and worship, we must stand firm,” he added.

At the same time, the Siaya governor raised concerns about abduction cases in the country while calling on the government to take action and stop the menace. 

“Kenya is crying that we must stop abductions, and extrajudicial killings so that we can be a republic. When there is too much sycophancy in government, people lose sight of their fundamentals,” he said. 

His remarks were echoed by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna who urged the ODM leaders to stand firm in condemning the injustices occurring in the country. 

“ODM leaders in government must stop being sycophants and call out Ruto for injustices that are going on in Kenya,” said Sifuna.

The remarks emerged just a few months after President William Ruto formed a broad-based government, as he picked four cabinet secretaries from ODM. 

Cabinet secretaries who are former ODM leaders include; Hassan Joho (Mining), Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives), John Mbadi (Treasury) and Opiyo Wandayi (Energy).