Gladys Wanga Accuses UDA of Secretly Plotting to Invade ODM Strongholds Ahead of 2027 Polls
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has issued a stark warning to the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), accusing it of undermining a key political pact by allegedly encroaching on the opposition party’s traditional strongholds.
Speaking at the funeral of veteran KBC journalist Festus Amimo in Awasi, Kisumu County, on Friday, Ms Wanga insisted that the broad-based government arrangement – forged earlier this year – explicitly prohibits such political interference.
The deal, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in March 2025 between President William Ruto and the late ODM leader Raila Odinga, was designed to stabilise the country following periods of political unrest. It centres on a 10-point agenda aimed at fostering economic growth, protecting devolution, and reducing national tensions, with both parties agreeing to respect each other’s grassroots support bases.
“We will only stay in government if our party is strong,” Ms Wanga told mourners, emphasising that the agreement signed at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) must be honoured.
“The agreement was clear on respecting each other’s political spaces,” she added, stressing that any violation risks eroding goodwill and straining the fragile cooperation.
Ms Wanga claimed UDA operatives, including high-ranking government officials such as Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo and Deputy Chief of Staff Eliud Owalo, have been rolling out development projects in ODM’s Nyanza heartlands – moves she described as attempts to build a foothold ahead of the 2027 General Election.
She is not the first ODM figure to voice such concerns, with party leaders increasingly frustrated over perceived efforts to weaken their regional dominance.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, speaking alongside Ms Wanga, called for both parties to strengthen independently to ensure any future partnership succeeds.
The broad-based arrangement has faced scrutiny since Raila Odinga’s passing earlier this year, with some ODM members questioning its long-term benefits. However, party officials, including new leader Oburu Oginga, have reaffirmed commitment to the deal until 2027.
President Ruto has recently hinted at deeper ties, suggesting a potential merger to form a unified broad-based party for the next polls.
As Kenya approaches another election cycle, the row highlights growing cracks in the power-sharing framework intended to unite the nation’s divided political landscape.
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Gladys Wanga Accuses UDA of Secretly Plotting to Invade ODM Strongholds Ahead of 2027 Polls