ODM party leader Gladys Wanga has rejected claims that the Orange Democratic Movement has lost its political footing since the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, maintaining that the party remains strong despite emerging internal divisions.
Raila died on October 15, 2025, leaving the party facing questions over its leadership, political alliances and future direction.
Nearly a year later, competing factions have emerged, with some leaders backing closer cooperation with President William Ruto while others insist ODM should remain in the opposition.
Wanga made the remarks at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega during a commemoration marking one year since Raila’s death.
She was joined by Governor Fernandes Barasa, Suna East MP Junet Mohamed and Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula.
Seeking to reassure party members, Wanga pledged that ODM nominations for various elective positions would be conducted transparently and fairly, as aspirants begin positioning themselves ahead of the next General Election.
Junet, however, dismissed the prospects of opposition leaders unseating Ruto in the forthcoming election, describing their ambitions as daydreams.
Barasa urged ODM members to set aside their differences and rally behind the President’s re-election bid, warning against divisions that could undermine their political strength.
Savula reinforced the message, calling on leaders from Western Kenya and Nyanza to unite behind Ruto and establish a common political front.
The event nevertheless proceeded without several elected ODM leaders, including a number of MPs from Kakamega County. Butere MP Tindi Mwale and Likuyani MP Innocent Mugabe were among those who failed to attend.
The absence of some leaders comes against the backdrop of disagreements over ODM’s political future and its relationship with the Kenya Kwanza administration. The divisions have placed the party’s unity and electoral strategy under renewed scrutiny.
Wanga’s assurance on nominations also comes at a critical time, with competition for party tickets expected to test its ability to manage internal disagreements.
Meanwhile, the calls by Barasa and Savula for regional leaders to support Ruto underscore the growing debate over ODM’s political alliances, as sections of the party push for cooperation with the President while others favour retaining an opposition identity.
