Wanga: Defending ODM comes first, before anything else

ODM National Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga speaking on April 13, 2026 / HANDOUT

ODM National Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has declared that protecting the strength and unity of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will take precedence over all other political considerations.

Wanga said the party will not allow its parliamentary numbers to shrink, stressing the need for discipline and loyalty among members.

She underscored the importance of respecting party structures, noting that political success is anchored on strong party foundations and support from voters.

“Defending our party comes first, before anything else. We shall ensure that our parliamentary strength is not reduced even by an inch. We must respect our party; other things will follow later. Without our party, votes and Kenyans, we shall not succeed,” she said.

Wanga also assured aspirants that ODM will conduct free and fair nominations, pledging equal opportunity for all those seeking to run on the party ticket in the upcoming elections.

“The party will hold free and fair nominations and give everyone who wants to run an equal opportunity. Those who will decide who runs on the ODM ticket are the people,” she said.

This comes at a time when discussions on zoning ahead of the 2027 General Election are taking centre stage within ODM.

ODM has insisted that zoning arrangements must form a core condition of any pre-election agreement with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Wanga said the party would only enter into negotiations as an equal partner.

“If we are going for negotiations, we are going as equal partners, not as a weaker party,” she said, signalling ODM’s firm position ahead of any possible alliance talks.

She was backed by a section of ODM lawmakers, who maintained that the party would not tolerate UDA fielding candidates in areas it considers its traditional strongholds.

The leaders argued that zoning, where coalition partners agree on which party fields candidates in specific regions, is non-negotiable.

Kisumu County Woman Representative Ruth Odinga emphasised ODM’s political strength, warning against any attempt to undermine the party at the negotiation table.

“And we are not going to sing songs of praise to anybody if they do not recognise that, at that table, ODM is very strong and can field candidates everywhere,” she said.

Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi was even more categorical, stating that zoning is a settled matter within the party and not subject to compromise.

“There is no negotiation when it comes to zoning because we are not going to allow UDA to field candidates here in Muhoroni and in our party’s strongholds. All those strongholds are reserved for ODM,” Atandi declared.

However, UDA has taken a contrasting position, signalling its intention to field candidates across the country, including in regions traditionally dominated by ODM.

The ruling party has already begun aggressive popularisation campaigns, particularly in the Coast region.