The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has contradicted Siaya Governor James Orengo’s claims regarding the Political Parties Fund case, stating his account is inaccurate and the party’s records present a different version of events.
In a statement released on May 5, 2026, ODM clarified that Orengo’s assertion about personally initiating the matter is incorrect.
“With respect, that position is not accurate. The true position, as borne out by the party’s records, is that the National Executive Committee deliberated on the issue and formally resolved that the case be filed on behalf of the party,” the statement read.
ODM explained that Orengo was engaged as a senior ranking member with legal expertise to provide his services on a pro bono basis, which was the initial understanding.
However, instead of handling the case through his own law firm, he introduced the firm of Ms. Julie Soweto, which filed the petition.
“From that point, the character of the engagement shifted from what had been understood as a pro bono undertaking into a contractual legal arrangement,” ODM stated.
“After the party won in the High Court in 2016 and again in the Court of Appeal in 2018, legal fee demands began coming in”, the party claims.
The statement also mentions that Ms. Soweto’s law firm was ultimately paid KSh 40 million by the party, a development ODM says surprised everyone, including the late Raila Odinga.
“The demand came as a surprise to everyone including the Party Leader, the late Raila Odinga, who branded Orengo and his team mercenaries. There was nothing pro bono,” the statement added, noting that the documentary evidence is clear and verifiable and that Orengo personally received the payments.
The party further disclosed that it is currently facing a High Court claim exceeding KSh 350 million from the Soweto firm for legal representation, which it described as an ongoing dispute.
ODM concluded with a reminder to Orengo about his professional obligations.
“As a Senior Counsel, Gov. Orengo should know that he is bound by the Professional Ethics standards of Advocate-Client confidentiality. But the very least act we expect of him is also to acknowledge that he was paid for the legal services he rendered, which was against the initial agreement of providing pro bono services to the party he so much loves and cares about,” the statement concluded.
Earlier, Orengo had claimed he personally initiated the legal proceedings that resulted in ODM being owed KSh 12 billion by the government.
“It is a matter of public record that I personally initiated the legal proceedings on behalf of ODM to determine the funds owed to the party by the government. The KSh12 billion figure exists today only because of the ruling in the case I filed,” he said.
He also criticized what he referred to as the “Linda Tumbo” group within the party, pointing out the irony of them demanding those funds from the President without acknowledging his legal contribution.