Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) National Chairperson Gladys Wanga has clarified the status of the party’s leadership following Raila Odinga’s return from the AUC elections.

Speaking during a live interview on Monday, March 3, 2025, Homabay governor discloses that Raila still holds the position of the party leader of the Chungwa party despite not officially resuming his leadership role after the AUC campaigns.

Raila, on his return to the country and party politics at large, threw the political landscape and his followers into a quandary while it remained unclear as to whether he automatically resumed his position within ODM.

The party’s recent 20th anniversary celebration in Busia on Friday, February 28, 2025, did little to clear the air over the matter.

During the function Raila, shied from the long-awaited announcement on his political future following his setback in the 15 February 2025 AUC chairmanship race, instead promising his nationwide consultation as the next step in Kenyan politics.

Wanga, who assumed the leadership role six months ago as Raila ceded the position to seek the African Union Commission Chairmanship has since confirmed the leadership status.

“He (Raila) is the party leader but has not assumed back his position. He has not come back to take his position but he is still the party leader,” she said.

During the changes in party leadership, ODM created a new deputy party position, making it three new deputies to Raila as Wanga was named the chairperson of the party.

Party changes

Among those named deputy party leaders then included Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and Governors Simba Arati (Kisii) and Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir (Mombasa) were made Raila’s deputies as confirmed by the party Central Committee.

The party previously had two deputy party leader positions with cabinet secretaries Hassan Joho (Mining) and Wycliffe Oparanya Co-operatives the last occupants of the position before their appointment to the government.

Wanga, on her part, succeeded National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi.

The celebrations in Busia were expected to set the party’s leadership structure in shape but Raila opted to detail the journey of the party from its unconventional start during the Bomas constitutional process 20 years ago.

He noted that his journey as a leader had been long and challenging, expressing gratitude to his supporters for their unwavering loyalty. He emphasised that he would never forget the sacrifices, including the bloodshed, endured by himself and party members to ensure the party’s relevance.

Raila, who has recently found common ground with his long-time political rival, President William Ruto, praised ODM for its pivotal role in securing a constitution that favoured the people of Kenya.

“East or West, home is best. Sasa Baba amerudi. Shukran sana. Sasa leo tunasherehekea miaka ishirini ya chama chetu cha ODM,” he said, before reflecting on the struggles they faced in the past.