Homa Bay Governor and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) National Chairperson Gladys Wanga has reaffirmed the party’s resolve ahead of the November 27, 2025, by-elections, dismissing critics who claim the party is disintegrating after Raila Odinga’s death.

Speaking during an interdenominational prayer service as part of the ODM@20 programme on November 16, 2025, Wanga said all eyes will be on ODM candidates to see how they perform in the minipolls.

Wanga noted that any fault would give ODM critics talking points.

“Governor Mng’aro na Abdulswahmad, tuko na test hapa mbele kwa siku kumi ambayo inakuja, wale ambao wanasema ODM imeisha, imesambaratika, haina umaarufu, wanatungoja kwa siku kumi ambazo zinakuja, wanaangalia huko Ungunja, Kasipul na Magharini, wanasema tukipoteza kiti yoyote hao watafurahia wakisema ndio hiyo ODM imeenda chini.”

She emphasised the party’s strength, adding, “Lakini mimi najua ODM iko ngangari, imara na itashinda kiti ya Magharini, Harisson Kombe, Boyd Were atakua mbunge wa Kasipul, na Moses Omondi atakua mbunge mpya wa Ungunja, katika chama cha ODM, hapo ndani ndio tukae.“

Also watch: Gladys Wanga introduces the Central Committee of the ODM party.

By-elections present major test for ODM

The by-elections in Magarini, Kasipul, and Ugunja are among ODM’s sternest challenges. In Magarini, Harrison Kombe seeks to reclaim the seat nullified after his narrow 2022 victory.

Supported by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro, ODM is campaigning against Stanley Kenga of Rigathi Gachagua’s Democratic Congress Party (DCP).

On November 2, 2025, party leaders rallied support, with Secretary General Edwin Sifuna urging a landslide victory: “ODM gave Kombe a direct ticket because they trust his leadership. Vote him in with a landslide. ODM leaders will be in Magarini to protect the votes.”

Violence and security concerns in Kasipul and Ugunja

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) flagged Kasipul Kabondo and Mbeere North as high-risk zones, citing “isolated incidents of violence, intimidation, and inflammatory utterances.”

In Kasipul, attacks disrupted Boyd Were’s voter engagement, resulting in injuries and deaths. Wanga condemned the violence, stating, “The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party strongly condemns the escalating acts of violence witnessed in Kasipul Constituency ahead of the upcoming by-election on the 27th of this month…unfortunately, resulting in loss of lives and leaving behind fear and tension among the community.”

She called for peaceful conduct: “Appeal to all candidates and our supporters to conduct themselves peacefully and refrain from inflammatory utterances and actions that threaten peace during this campaign period and beyond.”

In Ugunja, ODM leaders rallied behind Moses Omondi, with former MP Opiyo Wandayi urging support: “Wandayi appealed to the people of Ugunja to rally behind Omondi, whom he described as a dedicated man who understands the terrain of the constituency and who has skills and experience to steer the constituency to greater heights of success.”

Wanga concluded her address, reinforcing the party’s commitment: “Na sisi hatuyumbiyumbi, hatuna wasiwasi, mdomo mingi wala uchochezi, tunachapa kazi.”