Homa Bay Governor and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Chairperson Gladys Wanga has reiterated the party’s commitment to pursuing social justice and equitable development while working within the broad-based government formed under the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Speaking at a public forum in Homa Bay on Thursday, Wanga emphasized that ODM’s decision to collaborate with the government was made under the guidance of party leader Raila Odinga and should not be seen as a departure from the party’s core values.
“We have a clear position as a party, we are part and parcel of the broad-based government, and that position has been steered by our party leader, Raila Odinga,” said Wanga.
“We are fighters for social justice. Our children have died on these streets fighting for it, and we will continue that fight now from within government — while also ensuring development reaches our people.”
Wanga criticized sections of the opposition who have questioned ODM’s involvement in the Kenya Kwanza government, suggesting their resistance stems not from ideological differences, but political discomfort over development reaching ODM strongholds.
“The real issue for some of these individuals is not President Ruto. Their problem is that ODM, and particularly our community, is now included in government and that meaningful development is being channeled to our regions,” she said.
“Gachagua says it openly that the President is taking projects to Nyanza and that’s what they’re unhappy about.”
Governor Wanga underscored the constitutional right of all regions to equal development, regardless of political affiliation.
“Nyanza, along with Raila’s strongholds in the Coast, Western, Turkana, and Samburu, are all part of this nation and deserve the same level of infrastructure and investment as any other region,” she said.
Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo echoed Wanga’s sentiments, stating that ODM’s collaboration with the government remains rooted in principles and not personality politics.
“We are not interested in personal battles disguised as national debates,” Odhiambo said. “We are working with the Kenya Kwanza government on the basis of policy and principle — not favoritism or political reward.”
She dismissed claims that development in ODM zones was a political payoff.
“There’s this narrative that we should observe ‘table manners’ because we’re supposedly ‘eating,’” said Odhiambo. “But eating here means seeing tarmac roads and essential services we’ve lacked since independence not political handouts.”
The remarks come amid national debate over opposition alignment in a broader government framework, with growing focus on how development is distributed across the country.
Written by Ian Maleve
