Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) National Chairperson Gladys Wanga has reiterated the party’s support for the peace pact signed by President William Ruto and Raila Odinga.

Speaking during the ratifications of the pact at KICC Nairobi on Friday, March 7 2025, the ODM chair deflected focus from the two political heads, emphasizing on the groups of people set to gain from the pact.

In her address, the governor signalled the move to benefit the youthful population of Kenya, women and other marginalized communities. 

“The unity, stability and prosperity of this country is not the responsibility of a few but of all of us as a nation. While we may have different political personalities, and come from different areas or schools of thought, nobody can fault equity, bringing people together and effort meant to unite the country and make everybody feel a part of this country,

“Today this unity effort is appreciated. Personally, this unity is not about the two of you; because Baba here has seen it all. Baba has seen it all has enough for his old generation. His Excellency has sat on all positions in the country. So in my thinking, it’s for young people, it is for the women, the marginalized and those who have felt have never been part of Kenya because of being left behind,” Wanga noted.

ODM support

The Homa Bay governor concluded by registering her unequivocal support for the new pact on behalf of the Orange party.

“As ODM chairperson, the largest party in the nation, we support this. We are behind the unity pact between President Ruto and Raila Odinga. We will support the broad-based arrangements, na tuko pamoja mpaka mwisho,” the governor said.

As per the agreement signed between the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and Kenya Kwanza titled ‘Memorandum of Understanding to Resolve the Social, Economic, and Political Challenges Facing Kenya 2025’, the two figures agreed to foster inclusivity in all arms of government.

Additionally, other facets the agreement will focus on include the full implementation of the NADCO Report.

National Cohesion

Other matters that will be addressed include the inclusivity of groups of people in all public life,  protecting and strengthening devolution, promoting and protecting the livelihoods of young people, promoting leadership and integrity, protecting the right to peaceful assembly and protest, audit of the national debt and stepping up the fight against graft in public institutions in Kenya.

Wanga’s comments come after Nandi Senator Samson Cheragei tipped the cooperation between President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will foster national unity.

Cherargei, who has been a vocal proponent of incorporating the former Prime Minister in the government said the agreement will deepen and broaden the existing cooperative arrangements between the two political entities, with a clear focus on fostering national unity.

Country’s stability

Speaking on Friday, March 7, 2025, after signing the expression of interest to work together with the UDA party, Raila Odinga said the MoU will help to ease tensions and alleviate the political, social and economic issues plaguing the country.

“We have agreed to use our parties as a broad platform bringing together various voices, opinions and concerns to address the critical challenges facing the country through a formation that is truly inclusive in outlook. We make it clear that the Memorandum we have signed today does not define the formation of a political coalition between ODM and UDA. However, its successful implementation could inform the basis of steps towards the establishment of a constitutive formation of a stable country in future.”