Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has dismissed claims that the ODM Party is divided, insisting that the political outfit remains united and strong ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, Wanga assured ODM supporters that the party remains solid, boasting more than one hundred members of Parliament. She dismissed assertions that emerging factions were threatening the party’s unity, terming such claims as falsehoods meant to mislead the public.
“Kuna wale wanasema chama cha chungwa kinasambaratika, chama cha ODM kiko imara tuko na wabunge zaidi ya mia moja katika chama chetu,” Wanga said. “Kusema kwamba chama kimesambaratika hatusemi ukweli,” she added.
The Homa Bay Governor emphasized that ODM’s internal cohesion remains intact and that the party is focused on strengthening its structures in preparation for the next general election. She further affirmed that ODM is determined to either form the next government or be part of a coalition that will take power.
“Mwaka ujao chama cha chungwa ndio kitakua serikali ama itakua part of the coalition ambayo itakua ndani ya serikali,” Wanga stated.
Her remarks come just days after she urged the ODM Party to move beyond opposition politics and focus on capturing power in the 2027 elections. Speaking during the Linda Ground Tours event in Bwiti, Lunga Lunga Constituency, Kwale County, on Saturday, February 14, 2026, Wanga said the party has spent two decades in opposition and must now seek to govern.
“We have told our leader Dr Oburu Oginga, that we as a party have sat in opposition for 20 years, and come 2027, we do not want to stay in opposition anymore,” Wanga said.
She reiterated that ODM’s goal is to form the next government or join a ruling coalition that aligns with its policies and vision for the country. Wanga also directed ODM’s acting leader, Dr Oburu Oginga, to initiate talks with like-minded political parties, including President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
“We have told Dr Oburu to continue negotiations with parties that have similar policies to us. He should start negotiations with Honourable Ruto. And when we go there, we want to go as a party that has strength,” she said.
Wanga’s statements underscore ODM’s renewed push to reposition itself as a key player in Kenya’s political landscape, signaling a strategic shift from opposition politics to active pursuit of governance.
