Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has issued a defiant message regarding the political landscape in Nyanza, asserting that protecting the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party is her absolute priority above all other political considerations.

Speaking to his supporters during a public gathering in Homabay on Monday, April 13, 2026, addressing supporters, Wanga emphasised that the survival and strength of the party are paramount.

“We will defend our party. We will protect our party, and defending our party comes number one before anything else. That our parliamentary strength is not reduced even by an inch,” Wanga said.

The Governor’s remarks appear to be a direct response to recent moves by President William Ruto and the UDA to establish a foothold in traditional ODM strongholds through zoning.

Party first, other things later

Wanga insisted that the party must maintain its dominance, declaring that they will ensure the party is strong before focusing on other things within their political strategies. She noted that respect for the party must come first, and other issues can only be addressed afterward.

Wanga argued that political relevance and progress are impossible without a unified party structure.

“We must first have respect for our party hiyo vitu vingine itafuata baadaye so kwa sababu bila chama na bila kura na bila wananchi hakuna mahali tunaweza tembea tukienda,” Wanga said.

A section of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) elected leaders has taken a hard line on zoning with the United Democratic Movement (UDA) as a cornerstone of pre-election negotiations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

They argued that, to support William Ruto’s re-election, UDA should not field any candidates in regions currently held by ODM.

Further, they are demanding that the agreement divide positions on a 50-50 basis, including the Deputy President position if Ruto contests the presidency.

The proposed zoning is intended to prevent ‘friendly fire’ between ODM and UDA candidates in ODM’s traditional bases, ensuring the party retains its influence.

Supporting the zoning

According to Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Town Member of Parliament Opondo Kaluma, Homa Bay remains an ODM zone, and they will not allow any other political party to gain ground in the region.

Wanga, who is also the ODM national chairperson, has declared the county and the broader Nyanza region to be an ODM zone and will not tolerate opposition, specifically warning against UDA infiltration.

Wanga insisted that any coalition agreement with UDA must include a clear zoning formula that guarantees ODM a fair and respectable number of seats in regions where it has strong support.

“ODM will not be a ‘junior affiliate’ to UDA, and we expect a 50-50 power-sharing structure where ODM controls its traditional strongholds,” she insisted.