Gladys Wanga: Raila’s final instruction was for ODM to stay in broad-based govt
By Mabonga Makhanu, October 19, 2025Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has reaffirmed that the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s directive for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to remain in a broad-based arrangement will continue to guide the party even after his passing.
Speaking during Raila Odinga’s funeral on Sunday, October 19, 2025, Wanga emphasised that the former prime minister’s instructions were final and would continue to be followed by his family and the party. She noted that his guidance extended beyond his lifetime, reflecting his unwavering commitment to unity and stability in the nation.
Wanga recalled that Raila had always led with clarity and precision. She said that when he instructed left, his followers went left; when he directed right, they went right; and when he called for action, they acted immediately.
These principles, she said, formed the core of the final instructions he left behind.
“Raila’s words are final, and whatever he says, they follow, and that will extend even in his death. We always said that this was our father. When he says left, we go left. When he says right, we go right. When he says ‘fire’, we fire. The last instruction he left us with,” Wanga said.
The governor also referenced Raila’s remarks during the burial of the late Dr Phoebe Asiya, where he had affirmed his commitment to working for the country’s stability and unity within a broad-based government. According to Wanga, this remains the late leader’s lasting instruction, and both the party and the people will continue to uphold this vision.
“And I remember him speaking at the burial of the late Dr Phoebe Asiya, and he said he made a clear decision to work with you for the stability and unity of the nation inside the broad-based government. That is the last standing instruction that Baba gave us, and as a people and as a party, that is where we will stand.” She added.
Ruth Odinga’s demands
Kisumu Woman Representative and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s sister, Ruth Odinga, has issued a strong warning against attempts to sow division within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), emphasising that the party belongs to all its members and must remain united.
Speaking passionately during her brother’s funeral on Sunday, October 19, 2025, Ruth urged ODM members to resist internal wrangles and instead safeguard the unity and strength of the party that her late brother dedicated his life to building.
She stressed that ODM must remain one cohesive movement, warning against the emergence of rival factions seeking to control the party.
According to Ruth, the unity of ODM is not only essential for its survival but also for the continuation of Raila Odinga’s legacy of democracy, justice, and national cohesion.