Gladys Wanga Pledges Fair ODM Nominations, Questions Uhuru’s Ability to Produce Next President

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga pledged that ODM will conduct free, fair and transparent nominations ahead of the 2027 General ElectionWanga challenged former President Uhuru Kenyatta's political influence, questioning his ability to propel opposition figures to the presidencyThe remarks came during the Raila Odinga Memorial event in Kakamega, part of ODM's Mwezi wa Baba commemorationsPAY ATTENTION: Mark TUKO.co.ke as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!

Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Kakamega – Homa Bay governor and ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga has publicly committed to credible party nominations while launching a pointed challenge against former president Uhuru Kenyatta's standing in opposition politics, as the party looks toward the 2027 General Election.

Gladys Wanga pledged fair ODM nominations in 2027. Photo: Gladys Wanga. Source: FacebookWanga made the remarks on Friday, October 9, at the Raila Odinga Memorial event in Kakamega, one of several gatherings organised as part of ODM's Mwezi wa Baba programme marking the first anniversary of Raila Odinga's death in October 2025.

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Conveying greetings from ODM's party leader Oburu Odinga, Wanga reaffirmed the party's determination to hold onto political relevance at the national level.

The statement signals an effort to shore up internal confidence within ODM as the party navigates its future without its long-serving leader, Raila Odinga.

Wanga directed sharp criticism at former president Uhuru Kenyatta, arguing that his track record with ODM does not support claims of influence over the country's political direction.

She recalled that during their previous partnership, Uhuru had stated he would not deliver power to ODM because he intended to hand the presidency to Raila. Yet the former Prime Minister never became president despite that alliance.

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Drawing on that history, she questioned how Uhuru could now deliver the presidency to other opposition figures. She specifically named Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i and Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

Wanga also expressed confidence that President William Ruto would not be overcome politically by Uhuru. The remarks represent her personal political assessment and were not accompanied by supporting evidence in the statements issued to the newsroom.

The Kakamega event forms part of a broader commemoration schedule, with memorial activities set to culminate in a national service at Kang'o ka Jaramogi in Bondo on October 15.

Wanga's dual focus on nominations integrity and opposition dynamics reflects the central challenges ODM faces as it seeks to define its political alliances and internal processes ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Earmier, the Homa Bay governor moved to shut down the speculation on the health of ODM party leader Oburu Odinga.

Rumours had swirled on social media on Tuesday evening, October 6, suggesting Oburu had died.

In a brief statement via X, Wanga, who is also the national chairperson of ODM, confirmed having called on Oburu the same evening, revealing that he was in a good state of health, albeit recovering after his medical trip abroad and subsequent routine checkup at The Nairobi Hospital.

Amos Khaemba (Current affairs editor) Amos Khaemba is an accredited journalist and current affairs editor at TUKO.co.ke. He completed the Google News Initiative training on Advanced Digital Reporting, Fighting Misinformation, and Experimenting with New Formats (2024). Amos has over four years of experience in the digital media industry and previously worked at Kenya News Agency and Kivumbi.co.ke. Email: amos.khaemba@tuko.co.ke