Homa Bay, Kenya – Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) national chairperson Gladys Wanga has reaffirmed the party’s commitment to strengthening its grassroots structures while preparing for high-stakes negotiations ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Wanga, who also serves as Homa Bay Governor, said ODM will enter any future political arrangement from a position of strength, insisting on a 50-50 power-sharing framework in coalition talks.
“Regarding those positions, we will speak, saying it is 50-50. If they take half, ODM also takes half. If they take the Presidency, the Deputy is ODM. That is how we will talk as we move forward,” Wanga stated.
She emphasized that while power-sharing will be a key component of negotiations, the party will prioritize issues affecting ordinary Kenyans.
“When we go into negotiations, we will go knowing that we are a big party… we will talk about positions, yes, but first, we will also talk about the issues of the citizens,” she told residents.
Wanga noted that ODM’s leadership received a mandate to initiate negotiations during a recent Special Delegates Conference, positioning the party as a central player in shaping the next government.
At the same time, she ruled out engagement with political actors she accused of promoting division and intolerance.
“People who divide Kenyans on tribal grounds… those are people we cannot talk to,” she said, in reference to elements within the United Opposition.
Speaking earlier in Muhoroni Sub-County, Wanga dismissed claims of internal divisions within ODM, asserting that the party remains unified despite isolated dissent.
She maintained that ODM continues to command loyalty from a majority of its elected leaders and expressed confidence that its political strength will endure beyond the 2027 elections.
The remarks underscore ODM’s strategic positioning ahead of the next electoral cycle, as parties begin early coalition-building efforts that are expected to shape Kenya’s political landscape.
