Wanga pours cold water on ODM’s demise speculations
By Luke Oluoch, October 31, 2025Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has dismissed speculation that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) was headed for extinction following the demise of its party leader, Raila Odinga.
Speaking in Kasipul on Friday, October 31, 2025, Wanga stated that those anticipating ODM’s fall will be ashamed as the party remains united and stronger under its new leadership.
Wanga asserted that the party remains committed to fulfilling Raila Odinga’s legacy under the new leadership of Oburu Oginga.
“Kwa wale wanafikiri kuwa kwa maana Baba hayuko tutasambaratika kama chama, nataka kuwaambia tutasimama imara na tutachunga ile legacy Baba aliacha ndani ya broad-based government,” she added.
The ODM National Chair also reaffirmed that party’s stance under the broad-based government, stressing that the deceased leader left the party with clear directions.
“Raila left us united as a community. Let us speak with one united language. Secondly, he left us in ODM. I have heard people saying ODM is finished because Raila is gone. We want to tell them that we will remain inside the broad-based system,” she added.
Her remarks come as the party looks to wade through a tough transition period following the death of its late party leader.
Speaking on the future of ODM on Friday, October 31, 2025, Busia Governor Paul Otuoma stepped up overtures towards President Ruto by publicly urging Ruto to formally rejoin the outfit.
Return and unite us
“Sisi tunataka kuhakikishia kuwa tutakuwa pamoja na wewe na maono ulikuwa nayo na Raila ya kuweka Kenya iwe pamoja. Wewe ulikuwa ODM member number one, na tunaweza kusema urudi kwa ODM uunganishe sisi sote tuendelee,” he stated.
The governor also expressed optimism that the pact between the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and ODM will retain power in the upcoming general elections.
“Ikiwa UDA itashikana na ODM, kuna mtu anaweza kushindana na sisi?” he posed.