Ruto-ODM alliance faces increasing tension as Wanga booed in Ahero rally
By Viola Kosome, February 18, 2026What was meant to be a routine political mobilisation tour for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) chairperson, Gladys Wanga, in Ahero town quickly turned into a flop as sections of residents heckled her over her support for party leader Oburu Oginga’s faction.
The Homa Bay county chief, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, had met grassroots officials from Nyando Constituency in Ahero, Kisumu, to consolidate support for the emerging cooperation between ODM and President William Ruto.
However, moments into her address along the busy streets of Ahero, murmurs grew into chants as residents signalled dissatisfaction with the proposed political alignment.
Disgruntled residents chanted the names of Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and sacked ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.
In a bold appeal, Wanga told the crowd that the current political landscape leaves little room for fragmented opposition, arguing that only the late veteran opposition figure Raila Odinga has previously mounted a formidable challenge against President William Ruto.
“When you assess the present political formations, you must be realistic about where the country is headed,” Wanga said as she urged locals to rethink backing alternative opposition paths.
But the crowd appeared unconvinced as some residents interrupted her speech, chanting the names of Sifuna and Babu.
At one point, as Wanga questioned whether residents preferred returning to street protests, the chants grew louder, drowning out parts of her address.
She was accompanied by local ODM officials led by Kisumu Central ODM Vice Chairman Seth Ochieng’ Kanga, popularly known as Adui Nyang’, who sought to steady the gathering.
Kanga reiterated the call for unity behind the party’s new direction, framing national politics as a contest between two dominant formations.
“Politics has now narrowed into two clear camps,” he said, urging residents to align themselves with the camp he described as being steered by President Ruto and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga.
Despite the spirited appeals from the leaders, the charged reception in Ahero depicted the delicate balancing act ODM faces in maintaining unity within its traditional strongholds as new political alliances begin to take shape.
Meanwhile, the Lind Mwananchi camp continues to receive a warm reception in the outfit’s turf amid a power struggle in the most popular party.
For instance, the team was met by a huge crowd in Ugunja, Siaya County, while en route to Busia for a function on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
The crowd forced the Sifuna-led team to stop and acknowledge greetings from Ugunja locals as they headed to Busia for their separate party event.