NAIROBI, Kenya — ODM National Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has declared that safeguarding the unity and political strength of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will take precedence as the party positions itself ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking amid growing internal and coalition-level discussions, Wanga emphasised that ODM will not allow its parliamentary numbers to shrink, calling for discipline and loyalty among party members.
“Defending our party comes first, before anything else. We shall ensure that our parliamentary strength is not reduced even by an inch,” she said, underscoring the centrality of strong party structures and voter support.
Wanga also sought to reassure aspirants, pledging that ODM will conduct free and fair nominations and provide equal opportunity to all candidates seeking the party ticket.
“The party will hold free and fair nominations and give everyone who wants to run an equal opportunity. Those who will decide who runs on the ODM ticket are the people,” she added.
Her remarks come as zoning debates—where coalition partners agree on candidate placement across regions—gain momentum within ODM’s strategic planning. The party has signalled that zoning will be a core condition in any pre-election agreement with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Wanga maintained that ODM would only enter such negotiations as an equal partner, dismissing any notion of political subordination.
“If we are going for negotiations, we are going as equal partners, not as a weaker party,” she said.
The position was echoed by several ODM lawmakers, who insisted that the party would not tolerate UDA fielding candidates in what they described as ODM strongholds.
Ruth Odinga warned against attempts to undermine ODM’s influence, stating that the party remains strong enough to field candidates nationwide.
“We are not going to sing songs of praise to anybody if they do not recognise that, at that table, ODM is very strong and can field candidates everywhere,” she said.
Meanwhile, Samuel Atandi took a firmer stance, declaring zoning a settled matter within the party.
“There is no negotiation when it comes to zoning… all those strongholds are reserved for ODM,” Atandi asserted.
However, UDA has signalled a contrasting approach, indicating it will field candidates across the country, including in regions traditionally dominated by ODM. The ruling party has already intensified grassroots mobilisation, particularly in the Coast region, in what analysts see as early positioning for 2027.
The emerging standoff highlights the complex dynamics shaping potential alliances ahead of the next general election, with zoning likely to be a major point of contention.
