ODM National Chairperson Gladys
Wanga welcomes Gideon Mayian Saruni to the party by placing an ODM cap on him
during a ceremony at Chungwa House in Nairobi on October 6, 2026/ HANDOUTTwo members of the United Democratic Alliance have defected to the Orange Democratic Movement ahead of the 2027 General Election.
ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga received Gideon Mayian Saruni and Francis Ole Meja into the party during a ceremony at Chungwa House.
Saruni will seek to fly the ODM flag in the Kajiado West parliamentary contest in the August 10, 2027, General Election.
Meja will contest the Mosiro MCA seat in Kajiado West Constituency on the ODM ticket.
Wanga congratulated the two new members, saying the party was happy to continue growing.
"We are happy when our house continues to grow bigger and bigger," Wanga said.
The ceremony was attended by Kajiado Deputy Governor Martin Moshisho, ODM Youth League President John Ketora, ODM Executive Director Oduor Ong'wen and a delegation from Kajiado County.
The two are expected to battle for the party's tickets during the ODM nominations ahead of the 2027 elections.
ODM National Chairperson Gladys
Wanga welcomes Francis Ole Meja to the party by placing an ODM cap on him
during a ceremony at Chungwa House in Nairobi on October 6, 2026/ HANDOUTThe move comes as political parties continue to expand their networks and attract members ahead of the General Election.
On September 29, former Embakasi West MP George Theuri also joined ODM, pledging his support and allegiance to the party.
ODM Secretary General Catherine Omanyo received Theuri into the party, with ODM describing his entry as a new addition to its "Chungwa Movement".
"Karibu sana to the Chungwa Movement, George Theuri," ODM said.
Theuri was elected as the Embakasi West MP in 2013 on a The National Alliance Party ticket. He was re-elected in 2017 on a Jubilee Party ticket before contesting the seat in 2022 on a United Democratic Alliance ticket.
