Wanga: We are steadying ODM ship after Raila loss

ODM chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga /HANDOUT

ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga has reassured party supporters of stability and unity as the party prepares for a key internal milestone.

Wanga said ODM weathered a difficult period following the loss of its long-time leader Raila Odinga, but has since regained its footing.

“We lost a leader and there was bound to be some shakiness, but we pulled in quickly, got a new party leader whom we will be ratifying on Friday, and we have consolidated our leaders,” she said.

She said the NDC, scheduled for Friday, March 27, is expected to formally ratify Oburu Oginga as the new ODM party leader, marking a significant transition in the party’s leadership structure.

Wanga said the process reflects the party’s ability to reorganise swiftly and maintain continuity despite internal challenges.

She dismissed claims of a looming split within ODM, insisting that dissent from a few members should not be misconstrued as a broader crisis.

“The majority of the party is solid. When a few people are dissenting, it doesn’t count for the party splitting,” she added, signaling confidence in the party’s internal cohesion.

Wanga urged members to remain focused on strengthening the party ahead of the next general election.

She emphasised the importance of unity, organisation and strategic planning as ODM positions itself for future political contests.

“I want to ask our members, especially in the grassroots, to hold on there, let’s work hard, let’s work to retain our seats and let’s work to gain more seats,” Wanga said.

The ODM chairperson outlined a multi-pronged strategy aimed at consolidating the party’s influence.

This includes defending existing political positions while aggressively seeking to expand its representation across the country.

Her remarks signal an early push towards election preparedness, with a clear focus on retention and growth.

Wanga called for unity within the party ranks, underscoring the need to “solidify the party” amid emerging internal and external pressures.

The chairperson expressed confidence that ODM would maintain its status as a dominant political force in the region describing the party as the “largest party south of the Sahara and north of the Limpopo”.

Wanga underscored the importance of a strong electoral strategy within ODM, urging members to prioritise both the defense of their current seats and the expansion of the party’s influence across the country.

She said maintaining existing positions would be critical in preserving ODM’s political strength, while winning additional seats would enhance its leverage in shaping the next government.

Wanga urged grassroots mobilisation, unity and early preparation, framing the upcoming electoral cycle as a decisive moment for the party to consolidate its base and broaden its reach.

"Let’s work hard, let’s work to retain our seats and let’s work to gain more seats," she said.