Wanga rules out ODM talks with Gachagua ahead of 2027 polls
By Cy Muganda, February 14, 2026Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has declared that ODM will not negotiate with politicians who promote tribalism and divisive politics ahead of the 2027 general election, in remarks widely seen as targeting former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Speaking in Kwale County on Saturday, February 14, 2026, Wanga said ODM is ready to form or be part of a coalition government in 2027 but will only engage with parties and leaders who share its values and policies.
“There are those we will not negotiate with. There are those we cannot negotiate with. Those who spread tribalism, spread hate, spread division, those who say there are big tribes and small tribes. We cannot negotiate with them,” Wanga stated in Kiswahili.
While endorsing negotiations with President William Ruto, Wanga drew a clear line against engaging with politicians she characterised as divisive.
“Those who spread tribalism, spread hate, spread division, those who say there are big tribes and small tribes, we cannot negotiate with them,” she repeated for emphasis.
She asked the audience whether ODM should negotiate with “tribalists and dividers” and those who say Coast people are few, receiving resounding rejections.
“Those who talk about shareholders, should we negotiate with them? We will not negotiate with them. We will hold on to those who have similar policies to us and move forward,” Wanga stated.
ODM’s 2027 ambition
The governor told the Kwale audience that ODM has spent 20 years in opposition and is determined to form or be part of the government in 2027.
“We as a party have sat in opposition for 20 years. When we get to 2027, we don’t want to sit in opposition again because a party is formed to form government. We want the ODM party to form the next government in 2027. We should be the government or be part of a coalition that will form government,” Wanga said.
She emphasised the importance of ODM maintaining its strength and identity ahead of coalition negotiations.
“We told Dr Oburu Oginga to continue negotiating with parties that have similar policies to ours. He should negotiate starting with the honourable Ruto, and when we go there, we want to go as a party that has strength,” the governor stated.
Coast representation in talks
Wanga insisted that Coast region leaders must be at the negotiation table to ensure their interests are adequately represented in any coalition arrangement.
“When we get to that table, we will discuss matters concerning Coast people. But Coast people must also be at that negotiation table. So that when we get any government positions, Coast people, Coast children will be inside there. But also issues affecting Coast people must be put on that table,” she said.
The governor sought approval from the audience for ODM party leader Oburu to continue negotiations with President William Ruto and other potential coalition partners.
“We have told Dr Oburu to start negotiations with Dr William Ruto and we continue forward. What do you think? Is that okay or not okay?” Wanga asked, receiving affirmative responses from the crowd.
ODM solidarity
The governor framed ODM’s position within the context of the late Raila Odinga’s decision to work with President Ruto through the broad-based government arrangement.
“When Baba left us, he left us having had discussions with President William Ruto, and they agreed to come together because the country was shaking and the country was going somewhere. Gen Z had come and really shook the country badly, so they agreed to come together so the country can have peace because it’s better to have a country that has peace,” Wanga explained.
She said Raila’s reasoning was that continued instability could leave leaders with no country to lead.
“Because if you continue, there may be no place you will be a leader because the country will be destroyed,” she added.
The Homa Bay governor urged Kwale residents to remain firmly within ODM to ensure Coast region issues receive attention at the national level.
“Here in Kwale, we want to hold on to our ODM party, let’s not leave it, let’s continue holding it so that all our issues of Coast people reach the table,” Wanga said.