Wanga: ODM cannot afford to lose political power ahead of 2027

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga in Kakamega during a celebration of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s first anniversary in Kakamega on October 9, 2026 / HANDOUTHoma Bay Governor and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) National Chairperson Gladys Wanga has reaffirmed the party’s commitment to remaining politically influential ahead of the 2027 General Election, pledging free, fair and transparent nominations.

Speaking on Friday at a Raila Odinga memorial event in Kakamega, Wanga said ODM was committed to an electoral process that would allow members to choose their preferred candidates.

“ODM will conduct free, fair and transparent nominations. I have also brought greetings from our Party Leader Oburu Odinga, and as he says, hatuwezi kuwa bila power,” Wanga said.

Her remarks come as ODM considers its political future following the death of its longtime leader, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, in October 2025.

Wanga also questioned the role of former President Uhuru Kenyatta in shaping the opposition’s leadership and presidential ambitions ahead of the next election.

She referred to presidential aspirants whose names have featured in discussions about the opposition’s possible contenders.

Wanga questioned the extent to which Uhuru could influence the political prospects of the aspirants, citing Raila’s unsuccessful presidential bids.

She pointed to Uhuru’s past political relationship with Raila, arguing that it had not resulted in the former Prime Minister becoming president. She questioned whether the retired Head of State could now influence the chances of other opposition figures seeking the presidency.

Wanga also expressed confidence in President William Ruto’s political prospects as political players begin positioning themselves ahead of the next election.

The Kakamega gathering forms part of ODM’s October programme, dubbed Mwezi wa Baba, organised to mark the first anniversary of Raila’s death and honour his contribution to Kenya’s political and democratic history.

The programme includes memorial activities in different regions, culminating in a national memorial service at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, on October 15.

Beyond commemorating Raila’s legacy, the events have provided a platform for ODM leaders to reaffirm their commitment to the party as discussions continue over its leadership and political direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The gathering comes days after President Ruto officially commissioned the Raila Odinga mausoleum at Opoda Farm in Siaya County.

The mausoleum is expected to serve as a heritage site at Kang’o ka Jaramogi, providing a permanent location for preserving and interpreting Raila’s life and public legacy.

Ruto said the pentagonal shape of Raila’s mausoleum symbolised unity, togetherness and completion.

The President said the five-sided structure was deliberately designed to reflect an important part of Raila’s political history.

“This mausoleum speaks Baba’s language. It is shaped as a pentagon, with five sides. Among the Luo, five is Abich, the number of unity, togetherness and completion,” Ruto said.

He linked the five sides to the ODM Pentagon of 2007, when leaders from different parts of the country came together behind a common national vision.

“Five recalls the ODM Pentagon of 2007. Leaders from every corner of Kenya came together behind a common national vision. I was privileged to sit at that table with him. I saw and learnt first-hand how Jakom built bridges between communities and between people,” he said.

The President also noted that the mausoleum stands next to the six-sided mausoleum of Raila’s father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice-President.

“Beside it stands the six-sided mausoleum of Jaramogi. Five after six, in harmony. Father and son, distinct in their times, but united in purpose,” Ruto said.Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga in Kakamega during a celebration of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s one-year anniversary in Kakamega on October 9, 2026 / HANDOUTODM leaders in Kakamega during a celebration of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s one-year anniversary in Kakamega on October 9, 2026 / HANDOUT