ODM will stay in government beyond 2027, Wanga declares

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga during a rally in Dandora, Nairobi County. [Gladys Wanga, X]

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has declared that ODM will no longer play opposition politics, signalling the party’s firm commitment to the broad-based arrangement with President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during a fundraiser at Ushirika Primary School in Dandora on Sunday, Wanga said the Orange party had made a deliberate decision to work with government in advancing the interests of Kenyans instead of engaging in street protests.

“We are officially telling opposition bye bye,” Wanga declared.

The ODM chairperson said the party had changed its political strategy after years of leading anti-government demonstrations under the leadership of the late Raila Odinga.

“We have changed tactics and the styles to fight for the common mwananchi, not by going to the streets but by being in government,” she said.

Wanga maintained that ODM’s cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza administration was long term and not temporary, insisting that the party was in the broad-based arrangement to stay.

“We are in broad-based to stay,” she said.

She further stated that ODM’s focus was now on ensuring it remains part of government after the next elections, either independently or through a coalition arrangement.

“Come 2027, ODM will either be the government, be in government or be part of the coalition forming government,” she said.

Her remarks are likely to deepen debate around ODM’s political direction following months of close cooperation with President Ruto’s administration, a move that has attracted criticism from some opposition supporters.

On the rising fuel prices, Wanga defended the government, saying the increases were driven by global market forces and not local policy failures.

“Fuel prices going up is a global issue not just for Kenya. President Ruto has tried his level best to reduce the prices,” she said, adding that there were plans for further reductions in coming months.

She also condemned the increasing cases of child abductions and rising femicide incidents in the country, calling on security agencies, parents and child protection officers to act swiftly.

“We shall not allow that vice to spread,” she said in reference to femicide cases.

Makadara member of parliament George Aladwa endorsed Wanga’s remarks, saying ODM leaders under the Linda Ground movement had resolved to support President Ruto’s re-election bid while protecting ODM’s dominance in other elective seats.

“We have agreed we will give Ruto our vote to be a second term president, but we demand respect in all other positions, from the MCAs to the governor positions, especially here in Nairobi, it is ODM,” Aladwa said.

He also called for zoning arrangements between ODM and UDA to prevent clashes in nominations and campaigns ahead of the 2027 polls.