Gladys Wanga: ODM cannot survive without leaders standing together

Gladys Wanga, the chairperson of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), affirmed the party's stability despite Governor James Orengo departing from the current leadership. During a meeting in Funyula, Busia County on October 11, 2026, Wanga addressed concerns of the party's collapse following the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

She emphasized that only Orengo, among the 15 ODM governors, had diverged from the party's political direction. Wanga urged delegates to inform supporters that the ODM retains control of several county governments and maintains a strong presence in Parliament. She stressed that the majority of governors elected under the ODM banner remained loyal to the party's leadership.

Although Orengo's name was not explicitly mentioned, he has been vocal in opposing the party leadership's political stance and has aligned himself with the Linda Mwananchi faction. Wanga listed several counties where ODM governors remained supportive of the party leadership, including Kilifi, Wajir, Garissa, Tana River, Busia, Kakamega, Vihiga, Turkana, Kajiado, Kisumu, Homa Bay, and Migori.

She affirmed that the party still holds 108 members in the National Assembly and Senate, with only a few governors straying from the party line. Wanga maintained that the departures have not significantly impacted the party's parliamentary numbers. She also highlighted the support from Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya and other governors, urging ODM members to prepare for the 2027 General Election by defending existing seats and targeting additional positions.