Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has assured party aspirants that the party remains united, stable and firmly under the leadership of Oburu Oginga despite the ongoing transition following the death of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga.

Speaking during the Nyanza aspirants consultative meeting in Kisumu on May 25, 2026, Wanga said the gathering was aimed at bringing together aspirants seeking ODM tickets ahead of the next general election and assuring them that the party structure remains intact and strong.

She noted that although the National Elections Coordinating Committee had already opened the registration portal for aspirants, there was a need for early consultations before the closure of the exercise at the end of June.

Wanga said the party also understood the constitutional timelines affecting aspirants currently serving in public offices and promised that the committee would provide clear guidance on the nomination process moving forward.

“We thought it was important that even before the registration closes, we meet, see each other and give ourselves confidence that ODM remains steady, strong and united under Dr. Oburu Oginga,” she said.

The ODM chairperson also announced that the party had abandoned the ‘Linda Ground’ slogan after rivals reportedly adopted and distorted it, insisting that ODM members should now strictly identify themselves using the official ODM name, colours and branding.

“We had created the Linda Ground movement to consolidate our support base, but some people came and tried to imitate it with different versions. We have now left that behind. We are ODM and the colour is orange,” Wanga stated.

ODM denies internal factions

She cautioned aspirants against creating confusion through campaign materials and branding, saying all posters, T-shirts and publicity materials must clearly reflect the ODM identity.

Wanga dismissed claims of divisions within the party, saying there were no factions in ODM despite political narratives suggesting otherwise.

“There are no factions in ODM. The party is one under Oburu Oginga as our party leader. Anything else is just a filter. ODM remains one strong party,” she stated.

Wanga further said the party had gone through a difficult transition following the loss of Raila Odinga, whom she described as a leader who built ODM through sacrifice and resilience over more than two decades.

She praised Oburu Odinga for accepting to steer the party during the mourning period and guide members through what she termed a sensitive transition moment.

“When we announced him as party leader, we had not even informed him beforehand because he was still mourning. But he accepted to steady the ship and lead us through this difficult transition period,” Wanga said.

She told aspirants and grassroots supporters that they carried the responsibility of keeping ODM alive, popular and attractive to voters across the country.

According to Wanga, ODM remains one of the strongest political movements in Africa due to the sacrifices made by its members over the years.

“This ODM brand is one of the largest political movements south of the Sahara. The strength of the party depends on all of us remaining united and keeping the party alive at the grassroots,” she added.

Wanga urged aspirants to remain loyal to the party and prepare for competitive but peaceful nominations as ODM positions itself for the upcoming elections.