Wanga directs ODM to channel energy into by-elections to maintain grip on strongholds
By Luke Oluoch, September 22, 2025The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) National Chairperson, Gladys Wanga, has stressed the importance of the party maintaining a strong presence at the grassroots ahead of the upcoming by-elections.
Speaking on Monday, September 22, 2025, Wanga revealed that ODM will be contesting the various ward and parliamentary seats as the party seeks to cement its dominance in the country’s political landscape.
Among them is the Chewani wards, previously held by the United Democratic Alliance, the ODM partners in government under the broad-based arrangement.
The party will also rival Jubilee in the Ang’ata Nanyokie ward seat.
“We are facing by-elections in Magarini constituency with Harry Kombe, who is our colleague. We have by-elections in Ugunja and Kasipul, seats which were held by ODM,” she said.
“In the Tana River for the Chewani ward, we have fielded a candidate. We need to go out and campaign for our candidate. The seat was held by UDA. We also have Kisa East in Khwisero, Kakamega and in Purko ward, where we also look to bring in the seat,” she revealed.
Elsewhere, ODM officials in Ugenya have begun strategising to reclaim the parliamentary seat in 2027.
Speaking at the event, Wanga noted the importance of grassroots presence and pushing up their representation in the County Assemblies.
“We need to keep a strong party for us to maintain our strength and numbers. It starts with the by-elections and I know we will be heading to the grassroots to mobilise not just on election dates but also during campaigns,” he added.
Other areas where ODM will contest include the three MCA seats in Nyamira county, FAfi wards in Garissa Lake Zone, Nanam ward in Turkana, an MCA seat in Narok North constituency and Kariobangi North wards previously held by Munuve.
Her remarks come after the party announced it will not be fielding a candidate in the upcoming Malava by-election, as confirmed by Kakamega County Governor Fernandes Barasa, who is the ODM’s County Chairperson.
Barasa said they had resolved in line with the spirit of the broad-based government, bringing together the two parties, readying the campaign troops ahead of the November 27, 2025, mini-polls contest.
“We shall not be fielding a candidate in Malava in the spirit of the broad-based arrangement between our party and UDA,” he said.