Gladys Wanga: If ODM declines in next poll, blame will be on all leaders
By Kenneth Mwenda, May 3, 2026Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Chairperson Gladys Wanga has told party leaders that all officeholders will carry responsibility if the party performs worse in the next general election.
Wanga spoke during the ODM Party Leaders’ Retreat in Mombasa on Sunday, May 3, 2026, as leaders met to discuss the future of the party following the death of Raila Odinga.
She said ODM had entered a difficult transition period and could no longer depend on one person to make key political decisions.
“This is the first retreat since the loss of our leader, Baba Raila Amollo Odinga,” Wanga said.
She told delegates that many in the party had relied on Raila for direction for years.
“We only said Baba will give us direction, and he did all the thinking, all the manoeuvring, all the negotiations, and all the sacrifices,” she said.
Wanga said the moment had now come for leaders across the party to take collective responsibility under the current leadership of Oburu Odinga.
She urged members to hold an honest discussion about where ODM had come from, where it stands now, and where it wants to go.
Calls for inclusive leadership
Wanga said the future of ODM should not be decided by a small group of leaders.
She referred to the party constitution and said the first value listed is the supremacy of party members.
“That means every voice, every person at the grassroots and in here, their voice must count in the direction that we take as a party,” she said.
She added that ODM’s main objective remained winning power through constitutional means and forming a government at both national and county levels.
According to Wanga, that goal can only be achieved if members work together.
“Our most important objective is how we are going to work together, all of us, to capture power,” she said.
She added that keeping the party alive, vibrant and strong was not the duty of one person.
“It belongs to all of us collectively,” she said.
Warning over election outcome
Wanga then issued a direct warning to party officials.
“If in the coming election this party does worse than it is today, the blame will not be on any single individual. It will be on all of us who held positions during this trying moment of transition,” she said.
Her remarks suggest growing concern inside ODM over how the party will organise itself after the end of Raila’s long leadership era.
Wanga said leaders must widen internal participation so more members can help shape decisions.
She asked delegates to consider how the party could create space for broader representation.
“How do we open up the space so that as many of us as possible make contributions to the decisions that we make in moving our party forward?” she asked.
She said leaders should avoid creating the impression that a few people make decisions for the majority.
Wanga also urged members to put ODM before personal interests or outside alliances.
“Our party comes first. Before anything else, it’s our party. Before we think about anyone else, let’s think about us. Let’s think about our party,” she said.
She called for honesty, unity and practical reforms after the retreat.
“Let’s come out stronger, more united,” she said.
Wanga praised the leaders present, saying the party still had enough talent and experience to remain a major political force.
She said there were strong debaters in Parliament, capable governors and experienced ministers within ODM ranks.
Ruth Odinga made similar appeal
Wanga’s remarks came a day after Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga also called for unity in the party.
Speaking on Saturday, May 2, in Seme, Ruth warned that internal divisions could weaken ODM ahead of future elections.
She rejected the growing “Wantam” and “Tutam” camps and instead said she stood with the legacy of her late brother, Raila Odinga.
“We must build one ODM,” Ruth said.
She also asked clergy and senior party figures to bring rival leaders together for talks.
Ruth named Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and Oburu Odinga among those who should be brought to the table.