BARINGO, Kenya – Homa Bay Governor and ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga has urged politicians to avoid insults, intimidation and violence as political parties intensify campaigns ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a political engagement in Baringo County on Sunday, August 30, 2026, Wanga called on leaders to embrace peaceful and persuasive politics, saying Kenyans did not want campaigns characterised by threats and confrontation.
“Hatutaki matusi, tunataka siasa ya unyenyekevu, persuasive politics sio ile ya watu kutembea na marungu, mapanga, bows and arrows, kila saa ni kujipiga kifua na matusi kwa leaders, hiyo inaleta vurugu, na mi naomba leaders wote tukue kwa amani,” she said.
Wanga’s remarks come as political parties and leaders increasingly position themselves for the 2027 elections, with grassroots mobilisation and political alliances gaining momentum across the country.
Wanga reaffirms ODM support for Ruto
The ODM chairperson also reaffirmed the party’s support for President William Ruto and the broad-based government, saying the decision had already been made.
“Tumeamua sisi ni watu wa ODM, and we will support William Ruto even if you come a hundred times,” Wanga said.
She maintained that repeated political engagements by rival formations would not change ODM’s position.
“So even if you come a hundred times, two hundred times, just keep coming. Only don’t come with violence. Just come, but whatever you say, the people have made up their minds,” she said.
The remarks underline the continuing political partnership between ODM and Ruto’s administration as the country heads towards the 2027 polls.
Wanga takes aim at Gachagua
Wanga also criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who leads the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), accusing him of pursuing what she described as community-based politics.
“A man called Rigathi Gachagua; he’s a tribalist. He’s a man who thinks only about certain ethnic communities and not the entire country,” Wanga said.
She contrasted Gachagua’s political approach with what she described as ODM’s national character, pointing to the party’s support among minority and marginalised communities.
“That is why this is the home of the Ilchamus in Baringo. This is the home of the coastal people. This is the home of the northeastern people because we are a party that is national,” she said.
Wanga urged Gachagua to stop commenting on ODM and its supporters, further accusing him of changing his position towards the late ODM leader Raila Odinga after his death.
ODM-Gachagua differences deepen
The latest exchange adds to a series of political disagreements between Wanga and Gachagua as competing formations seek to consolidate support ahead of 2027.
In April, Wanga criticised remarks attributed to Gachagua at a political gathering in Gatundu and rejected his claims that ODM leaders had sold the party to Ruto.
She has also previously ruled out an alliance between ODM and Gachagua, maintaining that ODM’s political direction is anchored on national inclusion and devolution.
Gachagua, meanwhile, has been building the DCP as he seeks to expand his political influence ahead of the next General Election.
