Homa Bay Governor and ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga has said the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has no space in what she described as the opposition ‘bus’, and warned that the party would be forced to cling to the roof if it chose that path.

Speaking on Sunday, May 31, 2026, during the Wabiro mega rally in Kisumu, Wanga used a bus analogy to explain what she called the two main political options in the country.

“Katika nchi hii leo kuna mabasi mawili,” she told supporters. “One of the buses is calling itself something opposition… hiyo basi haina dereva, haina conductor, hatujui ni nani.”

She said the opposition side was full but had no place for ODM.

“Hiyo basi imejaa… imejaa bila chama cha ODM, imejaa bila Mjaluo ndani, imejaa bila Mcoast ndani, imejaa bila Mmaasai ndani, imejaa bila Western ndani,” she said.

Wanga went on to argue that even if ODM tried to join, it would be given a secondary role.

“Sisi tunaambiwa tuende tushikilie basi kama turn boy huko nje ya basi, tukae juu ya basi, hiyo tumekataa ama tumekataa,” she said.

She said ODM had rejected being pushed outside or being treated as passengers without influence.

Wanga then turned to what she called the “broad-based government bus”, linking it to President William Ruto.

“Hiyo basi nyingine inaitwa broad-based government… sisi tunajua dereva wake tunamjua, anaitwa William Ruto,” she said.

She added that this arrangement already had space for ODM.

“Hiyo basi tumeambiwa hapo ndani iko na nafasi nusu ya ODM na nusu ya UDA… tuko na viti ndani ya basi,” she said.

Wanga then asked supporters directly which bus ODM should take.

“Sisi tunashika basi gani, broad-based,” she said.

ODM unity, political debate

The remarks came as thousands of ODM supporters flooded Kisumu city in a colourful roadshow that started in Nyamasaria and moved through the central business district to Kondele Roundabout before heading to Kirembe Grounds.

The convoy included senior ODM leaders such as party leader Oburu Oginga, governors, and Cabinet Secretaries. Supporters waved flags, blocked streets in sections of the city, and turned the roads into a sea of orange.

Business in parts of Kisumu slowed as crowds followed the convoy on foot, motorcycles, and vehicles. Organisers said the rally aimed to show unity in ODM and mobilise support ahead of the main event.

Wanga’s message highlighted growing debate within ODM over its relationship with the national government. Some leaders already serve in government roles, while others argue the party should remain firmly in opposition.