The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has said ongoing talks with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) must result in an equal share of national leadership and resources as the two sides explore a working arrangement ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Addressing supporters during a roadside rally in Dandora on Sunday, ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga said the party expects a fair outcome from the discussions between the top leadership of ODM and UDA.
Wanga, who also serves as the Homa Bay governor, said ODM leader Dr Oburu Odinga must safeguard the party’s interests as negotiations continue to shape cooperation between the country’s two dominant political factions.
“Sisi kama ODM tumesema hivi, Dr Oburu Odinga aingie katika mazungumzo na President William Ruto, wasikizane, ile ng’ombe ikatwe katikati, ODM ichukue nusu, UDA ichukue nusu,” Wanga said to loud cheers from the crowd.
She also weighed in on internal disagreements that have emerged within the party, insisting that ODM remains united despite the challenges and will continue to pursue the political ideals championed by the late Raila Odinga.
“If someone like Raila goes, there will be a few squabbles within the party but we will walk on the same road and speak in one language as a party,” Wanga said.
Turning to Nairobi politics, Wanga declared that ODM is confident of sweeping all elective seats in Nairobi County in the 2027 General Election.
She said the party is united, well-organised and deeply entrenched in the capital, noting that preparations are already in place to capture every position, from Members of County Assembly (MCAs) and Members of Parliament (MPs) to the Senate and the governor’s seat.
According to Wanga, ODM plans to win all Nairobi seats except the presidency, which she said would go to a broad-based government candidate, naming President William Ruto.
She added that the party is not only keen on defending its current positions in Nairobi but also intends to expand its parliamentary numbers in the city.
“Sisi kama ODM tuko kimoja na chama kiko imara hapa Nairobi. Na nataka niseme kwamba tukiingia 2027, viti zote hapa Nairobi ni za ODM. Tukisema MCA ni ODM, MP ni ODM, na sisi tutajipanga tupate MPs hata zaidi ya wale tuko nao kama chama cha ODM. Senator, itakuwa ni ODM, Governor ODM, na president atakuwa wa broad-based government, ambaye sisi tutakuwa tumefanya nae mazungumzo pamoja na wenzetu wa UDA,” Wanga said.
