Kisumu Bunge la Wananchi backs Oburu and Wanga, warns against infighting

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The Kisumu chapter of Bunge la Wananchi has declared unwavering support for ODM party leader Oburu Odinga and party chairperson Gladys Wanga, warning that any attempts to split the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will be strongly resisted.

Addressing journalists in Kisumu on Tuesday, the grassroots lobby group said loyalty to the current party leadership is not up for debate as the country focuses on the 2027 General Election.

The members insisted that unity within ODM remains critical, particularly under the broad-based government arrangement.

Faith Omollo, a resident of Kisumu who spoke during the briefing, said the larger Nyanza region is already benefiting from the current political cooperation and development agenda.

“As a mother, I stand with Dr Oburu Odinga and Gladys Wanga. We are seeing what they have done and what our people from this region have gained through the broad-based government. We are not ready to leave,” she said.

Omollo pointed to opportunities extended to young people through the Nyota programme, noting that several beneficiaries had come from the region.

“Recently, our children benefited from the Nyota programme courtesy of President William Ruto. We are seeing development across the country. We are in the broad-based government and we are not going anywhere,” she added.

Concerns over internal dissent

However, the group expressed concern over recent political activities by some ODM leaders, including James Orengo, Edwin Sifuna and Babu Owino.

Evans Otieno Ofula, one of the members, said residents of Kisumu were uneasy about what they termed “confusing political signals” from the trio.

“As residents of Kisumu, we want to speak clearly. Our leaders here are Dr Oburu Odinga and Gladys Wanga. If you have intentions of bringing confusion into the party, we want to say we are firm and we stand with the party leadership,” Evans stated.

Accusations of personal political interests

Another youth leader, Franklin Ismael Wasonga, accused some ODM officials of advancing personal political interests ahead of the next general election instead of strengthening the party.

“There is no ODM agenda you are pushing. You are pushing your own agenda for personal gain,” Wasonga said.

He maintained that anyone claiming to be an ODM supporter should rally behind the broad-based government arrangement until after the 2027 polls, saying internal disagreements should be handled through dialogue.

“If there are issues within the broad-based government, we should sit down and resolve them. That is how strong parties operate,” he added.

He also warned those opposed to the broad-based government to stop misleading Kenyans.

Caroline Olwande, another member, said residents are keen on stability and development rather than political wrangles.

“As ODM members, we know our stand. Our children will not be on the streets demonstrating. We want unity and progress,” she said.

The Kisumu Bunge la Wananchi members insisted that the region has begun to experience the benefits of cooperation under the broad-based government and will not allow divisions that could derail development.

They urged party members across the country to remain united and rally behind the current leadership, emphasising that cohesion and service delivery should take precedence as the 2027 election season approaches.