Gladys Wanga Reiterates ODM Will Take 50 Per Cent in Power-Sharing Talks With UDA
Speaking during an ODM Youth Convention in Kilifi on Sunday, April 26, Wanga signalled that the party is positioning itself as an equal partner in ongoing engagements with President William Ruto’s political outfit. She further hinted that Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho could emerge as ODM’s preferred candidate for the Deputy President slot in a potential coalition.
“We have entered into talks with our colleagues, and I want to declare here that we are the biggest party in the region,” Wanga stated. “When we enter into talks, we will enter as equal partners.”
Her remarks come amid growing political realignments following the formation of a Broad-Based Management Committee between ODM and UDA, a structure designed to coordinate legislative and executive agendas within the current cooperation framework.
Wanga emphasised that ODM would not accept a subordinate role in any arrangement, insisting that negotiations must reflect the party’s perceived political strength, particularly in key regions.
“And when seats are put on the table, it will be 50-50. If they produce a president, we will produce a deputy president,” she added. “And once we achieve that, we will meet in the corner as ODM because Joho has what it takes.”
Her endorsement of Joho adds a new dimension to the evolving succession debate, where several political heavyweights have been linked to the deputy presidency. While Joho’s name has circulated in political circles, Wanga’s public backing marks one of the clearest signals yet from within ODM’s top leadership.
The governor’s comments follow high-level discussions held at State House, Nairobi, on April 23, where President Ruto and ODM leader Oburu Odinga presided over talks that culminated in the establishment of the joint management committee. The team, comprising select Cabinet Secretaries and parliamentary leaders, is tasked with harmonising policy priorities and addressing emerging tensions within the partnership.
Political analysts view the arrangement as a strategic move to stabilise relations between the two parties, particularly amid concerns over electoral zoning and competition in traditional strongholds. Both sides are reportedly exploring frameworks to avoid fielding rival candidates in certain regions to minimise internal friction ahead of the next polls.
At the Kilifi event, Wanga also took aim at sections of the opposition, criticising leaders she accused of exploiting the legacy of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for political gain.
“I want to tell Gachagua, Baba never had any association with you when he was alive. Leave Baba alone now that he is gone. Do not mention Baba and don’t disrespect him,” she said.
She further dismissed recent opposition tours along the Coast, arguing that they had failed to resonate with local residents. According to Wanga, ODM remains the dominant political force in the region and will not align itself with leaders whose agendas conflict with its principles.
“We will only work with those who respect our people and our principles. There is no space for leaders who thrive on division or land injustices,” she added.
As political alignments continue to shift, Wanga’s remarks underscore ODM’s determination to negotiate from a position of strength, setting the stage for potentially intense coalition talks as the country edges closer to the 2027 General Election.
ALSO RAED: KHRC Sues UDA Over Alleged Ksh69 Million Tax Evasion and Misuse of Funds
Gladys Wanga Reiterates ODM Will Take 50 Per Cent in Power-Sharing Talks With UDA
