- Gladys Wanga is calling for renewed talks between ODM and President Ruto’s UDA
- She says dialogue is a leadership duty, not political betrayal
- Key concerns include cost of living, governance and electoral justice
- ODM and UDA signed a cooperation deal in March 2025
Homa Bay Governor and ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga has urged renewed talks between the Orange Democratic Movement and President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), saying dialogue remains important as the country slowly shifts focus to the 2027 General Election.
Wanga argued that political engagement should not be viewed as weakness or betrayal, but as a responsibility leaders must carry in a nation that remains deeply divided.
Speaking on December 21, 2025, during an ODM condolence visit at the home of the late former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo, Wanga said Kenya needs structured political talks to avoid instability.
She noted that meaningful engagement helps protect democratic institutions and cool political tension, especially at a time when public trust in leadership remains fragile.
According to Wanga, dialogue offers a chance to confront problems that continue to burden citizens. She pointed to the high cost of living, the need for governance reforms, and unresolved electoral justice concerns as key issues that cannot be ignored.
She insisted that any talks with the ruling coalition must deliver real results and not simply serve political elites.
Wanga maintained that ODM’s cooperation with UDA should be based on clear accountability and measurable gains for the public. She warned against engagement that benefits politicians while leaving ordinary Kenyans struggling.
Her comments come at a time when the relationship between ODM and UDA remains both strategic and uneasy.
Since early 2025, the two parties have operated under a broad cooperation framework aimed at promoting national unity and political stability.
The agreement is built on 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 areas in the deal include: Full implementation of the National Dialogue Committee report, Greater political inclusivity in public appointments, Stronger support for devolution, Firm action against corruption, Protection of the right to peaceful assembly, Coordinated work between ODM and UDA in Parliament
Despite the agreement, cracks have begun to show. Reports suggesting ODM could back Ruto for a second term in 2027 in exchange for more government positions have unsettled sections of the party.
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and other leaders have openly questioned the deal, citing police killings, lack of openness, and slow progress on agreed reforms.
The death of Raila Odinga in 2025 has left ODM navigating a new political reality. With a leadership gap and shifting alliances, the party is reassessing its role in the cooperation framework.
As the 2027 race draws closer, ODM is pushing for fresh negotiations to protect its political relevance and secure tangible benefits for its traditional support bases.
