Gladys Wanga urges ODM to aim for power in 2027
By Kenneth Mwenda, February 14, 2026Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has urged the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to move beyond opposition and aim for power in the 2027 elections.
Speaking to supporters at the Linda Ground Tours event in Bwiti, Lunga Lunga Constituency, Kwale County on Saturday, February 14, 2026, Wanga said the party has spent two decades in opposition and will not accept remaining sidelined any longer.
“We have told our leader Dr Oburu Oginga that we as a party have sat in opposition for 20 years, and come 2027, we do not want to stay in opposition anymore,” Wanga said.
She pushed for the party to either form the next government outright or join a ruling coalition.
“We want the ODM party to form the next government in 2027. We should be the government or part of the coalition that forms the government,” she added.
Parties with same ideology
Wanga also instructed Oburu Oginga, ODM’s acting leader, to engage in negotiations with parties that share the party’s policies, starting with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
“We have told Dr Oburu to continue negotiations with parties that have similar policies to us. He should start negotiations with Honourable Ruto. And when we go there, we want to go as a party that has strength,” she said.
The remarks build on ODM’s recent efforts to strengthen ties with the government. Last year, several ODM members joined Ruto’s administration, taking up Cabinet posts. The move follows the death of ODM founder Raila Odinga, leaving Oburu Oginga to guide the party.
At a delegates meeting in Mombasa on February 12, 2026 Oburu made it clear the party would push for a significant role in power-sharing, specifically targeting the Deputy President position.
“That deputy president seat is what we are targeting very strongly,” Oburu said. He argued that ODM’s national support and voter base justify a top-level slot, claiming the party deserves its “fair share” in government.
Deputy seat faces rejection
However, the demand has met resistance. Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku dismissed it during an event in Embu on February 13, 2026.
“Professor Kithure Kindiki is the Deputy President now. He is the one who will remain DP in 2027 and serve up to 2032,” Ruku said. He suggested ODM wait until 2032 for a chance at the position.
Leaders from Mt Kenya also rejected ODM’s bid. Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki described the plan as a dream, noting the party does not have the numbers.
“As much as we are in a broad-based government, the seat of the Deputy President is non-negotiable,” Njuki said. Kiambaa MP Njuguna Kawanjiku added: “Let them go up, let them go down, we won’t release it… we tell ODM to relax.”