Homa Bay governor and ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga has called for renewed political dialogue between the Orange Democratic Movement and President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance, arguing that engagement remains necessary as Kenya edges closer to the 2027 general election.
Speaking on 21 December 2025 during an ODM condolence visit at the home of the late former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo, Wanga said talks with the government should not be framed as political betrayal but as a constitutional duty of leadership in a deeply polarised country.
She said structured negotiations were critical to stabilising the nation and safeguarding democratic institutions.
Wanga said dialogue offered a platform to address concerns that continue to weigh heavily on Kenyans, including the rising cost of living, governance reforms and long standing questions around electoral justice.
She insisted that ODM’s engagement with the ruling coalition must be anchored on accountability and measurable outcomes for citizens, rather than elite political convenience.
Her remarks come amid an evolving relationship between UDA and ODM that has, since early 2025, taken the form of a broad based cooperation framework aimed at national unity and political stability.
The arrangement is anchored in a ten point memorandum of understanding signed by President Ruto and the late Raila Odinga at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in March 2025.
Key pillars of the agreement include the full implementation of the National Dialogue Committee report, greater political inclusivity in public appointments, stronger devolution and anti-corruption measures, protection of the right to peaceful assembly, and coordinated legislative action in parliament.
However, the framework has faced growing strain in recent months. Reports suggest ODM may be considering endorsing Ruto for a second term in 2027 in exchange for a substantial share of government appointments, a prospect that has sparked unease within the party.
ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna and other leaders have repeatedly questioned the deal’s credibility, citing police killings, lack of transparency and slow implementation.
With Raila Odinga’s death in 2025 leaving a leadership vacuum, ODM is now reassessing its place in the cooperation, seeking fresh negotiations to secure political relevance and continued benefits for its traditional strongholds as the 2027 race takes shape.
