ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga has urged members who have left or are undecided to return, saying unity will strengthen the party’s bargaining power ahead of the 2027 elections.
Wanga said ODM’s ability to negotiate for senior positions in the next government, including that of deputy president, would depend on its numerical strength.
She said the party’s doors remained open to all members willing to work together as it prepares for further negotiations with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Wanga was speaking in Ajigo, Bondo constituency, during the burial of Rose Ochang, the stepmother of Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu.
She said ODM intended to remain in the broad-based government following the death of its former party leader, Raila Odinga.
Wanga cautioned party members and the Luo community against leaving the government to join the opposition, only to seek a return to mainstream politics later.
She said ODM had already benefited from the broad-based arrangement, pointing to the party’s representation in the Cabinet and other government positions.
Wanga also cited infrastructure projects being undertaken by President William Ruto’s administration in the Nyanza region, saying they demonstrated the government’s commitment to the area’s development.
She said the projects would help stimulate economic growth and urged ODM members to support Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.
Wanga also dismissed the opposition’s call for a one-term presidency, saying it did not constitute a viable political agenda.
Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi and Suna West MP Peter Masara attended the burial.
Masara said ODM members should work towards securing a place in the next government.
He urged residents to acquire national identity cards and register as voters to strengthen their participation in the electoral process.
He said Raila had joined the broad-based government for strategic reasons and argued that ODM should remain in the arrangement until after the 2027 elections before reviewing its political direction.
“It therefore makes sense when we remain there until after 2027, after which we can go back to the drawing board,” he said.
Earlier, Wanga said ODM leader Oburu Oginga was recovering and urged party members to pray for him.
Meanwhile, grassroots leaders from Kisumu County pledged to support Buyu’s bid for the governorship.
Led by Kisumu County Assembly Speaker Elisha Oraro and majority whip Seth Kanga, the leaders said Buyu had demonstrated her leadership capabilities during her tenure as women representative.
Kanga said Buyu was well placed to promote inclusivity in Kisumu, which has a diverse population.
Leave a comment