BONDO, Kenya — Gladys Wanga, chairperson of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), has defended the party’s partnership with the Kenya Kwanza government, saying the arrangement has delivered tangible development projects to the Luo Nyanza region.
Speaking during a church service in Bondo, Siaya County, Wanga said the region has benefited significantly since the broad-based political agreement between William Ruto and the late ODM leader Raila Odinga.
“There are many things to show for this partnership,” Wanga said.
“Today we are talking about the Rironi–Mau Summit dualling, we are talking about the SGR coming to Kisumu, we are talking about the Jaramogi Odinga Odinga hospital being a Level 6 facility.”
Leaders defend political cooperation
The remarks come as ODM leaders continue to justify cooperation with the government despite growing debate within the party.
ODM deputy leader Oburu Oginga said the agreement has helped secure development for the region and insisted the party intends to remain within the partnership.
“We are ahead of leaders. Leaders are still procrastinating, and we are in this broad-based arrangement where Raila left us, and we are not going to leave it soon,” he said.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi echoed the sentiments, saying leaders and residents of the region are backing President Ruto ahead of the next general election.
Internal opposition within ODM
However, the political arrangement has triggered divisions within ODM, with several leaders calling for the party to maintain its opposition role.
Among the critics are Edwin Sifuna, the Nairobi senator, and Babu Owino, the MP for Embakasi East, who have urged the party to reassert its independence and strengthen its oversight role against the government.
The disagreement highlights growing political debate within ODM over whether cooperation with the ruling coalition undermines the party’s traditional opposition stance.
Ruto eyes 2027 victory
President Ruto has indicated he is seeking a decisive victory in the 2027 general election, saying he aims to win by a margin of two to three million votes.
The president has signalled openness to a broader political coalition that could include ODM, a move analysts say could significantly reshape Kenya’s political landscape ahead of the polls.
For now, ODM leaders backing the partnership argue that the agreement is primarily focused on delivering development and strengthening government cooperation for the benefit of their constituents.
