The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leadership, on Saturday, expressed growing concern over what it perceives as potential encroachment by President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) into the party’s traditional strongholds.
ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga signaled unease that the ongoing cooperation with UDA could threaten the party’s grassroots support if proper boundaries are not respected, warning that the political arrangement will only continue if the party’s core interests are protected.
Speaking on Saturday during the funeral of veteran KBC journalist Festus Amimo in Awasi, Kisumu County, Wanga stressed that ODM’s engagement with the Kenya Kwanza government is guided by a formal written agreement signed at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC). She noted that the pact clearly outlines the limits of collaboration and protects each party’s traditional constituencies from interference.
Wanga emphasized that the agreement explicitly bars political encroachment into ODM’s grassroots areas, describing the clause as essential for sustaining trust and mutual respect between the two parties. She warned that any violations would be viewed as a breach of the pact and could undermine the political cooperation.
The Homa Bay governor further assured supporters that ODM’s decision to collaborate with UDA is aimed at advancing national development priorities and stabilizing the country, not at weakening the party’s political identity. She reaffirmed that ODM remains vigilant, determined to safeguard its political strongholds and ensure that the party’s independence is never compromised.
Her remarks come at a time of heightened sensitivity within ODM, with members urging leadership to remain alert as the 2027 elections approach and political tensions continue to rise across the country.
Wanga now signaling to join the same language Sec. Gen Edwin Sifuna has been speaking despite resistance.