Siaya Governor James Orengo has accused senior figures within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) of betraying the party, declaring that “ODM has been sold” to President William Ruto’s administration.

Orengo made the remarks during a graduation ceremony in Siaya County for 492 youth trained in digital and artificial intelligence (AI) skills under the Africa Center for Women in ICT (ACWICT) program.

“Raila Amolo Odinga built a national party called ODM, but some of our colleagues, many from Nyanza, have sold that party,” Orengo said.

He dismissed President Ruto’s recent pledge to “end the noise” in ODM, insisting that only party members could resolve internal disputes.

The Governor urged graduates to remain organized and ready for change, stressing that Kenya’s future lies with young people. “Kenya belongs to you. You are the future of this country, and in the elections of 2027, you are the people who will make Kenya a great nation,” he told the audience.

Orengo warned that rising fuel prices and inflation were eroding household incomes, blaming poor leadership for the economic downturn. He called on youth to harness science, technology, and AI to transform communities and drive national growth.

ACWICT Chief Executive Officer Constantine Obuya described the graduation as a milestone in bridging the digital divide.

“This is not just a graduation. It is a transition from learning to earning, from being digitally excluded to becoming active contributors to the digital economy,” she said. Obuya noted that the program had attracted 5,000 applicants, with 492 completing training in AI for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

British High Commission Western Kenya Regional Advisor John Munyolo commended the initiative, urging graduates to share their knowledge with peers.

“You are graduating as community digital entrepreneurs and champions. The responsibility is to influence fellow young people with the skills you have acquired, so the impact goes beyond the resources we provide,” he said.

The ceremony highlighted the growing importance of digital skills in Siaya County, with leaders expressing optimism that the graduates will drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic growth.