Kumbe, there's beef between ODM and their own legal eagle James Orengo! The party has now come out guns blazing, insisting they—not the Siaya governor—are the real architects of a major political funding case, and bana, they've got the receipts to prove it.

The Plot Thickens: Who Really Called the Shots?

ODM has thrown shade at Orengo's claims that he personally spearheaded legal action in their landmark political parties' funding case. Sawa, so the party's National Executive Committee formally resolved to file the case, meaning it was an institutional move, not some one-man crusade. In their statement, ODM basically said "pole pole, Governor," insisting they respect Orengo lakini his narrative is off-base. According to them, the big guy was brought in later as a senior legal expert to support proceedings—ndio, like a consultant, not the main character.

This is where it gets spicy, my people. ODM is claiming that what Orengo pitched as pro bono work? Nah, that evolved into a full contractual arrangement handled by a separate law firm that ultimately ran with the petition. The party is making it crystal clear: karibu, there was no free lunch here.

Follow the Money: Sh48 Million in Legal Fees

Here's the part that's causing all this commotion. ODM has disclosed that after their legal victories in 2016 and appeals in 2018, they paid out a cool Sh48 million in legal fees. Aki, that's serious cash! The party is adamant—and I mean adamant—that documentation clearly shows these payments were made and received. They're essentially saying: "Orengo, wewe, explain yourself because we've got the paper trail."

But wait, there's more. A law firm associated with Orengo has now lodged a claim exceeding Sh350 million over the same matter. Sijui whether this is a counter-move or what, but it's painting a picture that's muddier than a Nairobi street after rain. ODM is subtly suggesting that as a senior counsel, Orengo should be bound by professional ethics and advocate-client confidentiality—so why is he out here making public statements?

The Bigger Picture: When Allies Turn Into Adversaries

This whole situation is peak Kenyan politics, honestly. Raila himself had publicly praised Orengo and his team for their contribution to the case. So what changed? Why is ODM now distancing itself from a guy who was literally celebrated for his work? It screams internal politics and unresolved compensation issues. The petition targets the Senate, National Assembly, and Office of the Attorney General—major stakes—so you'd think everyone would stay on the same page.

Instead, we've got this messy public dispute about who did what and who got paid what. It's enough to make you wonder what really went down in those legal offices.

The Jukwaa Take: When political allies start airing laundry in the media over cash and credit, you know someone's ego got bruised—and in Kenya's political theater, that's always the real story.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya