The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is laying the groundwork to capture power in the 2027 general election, signaling renewed ambition and strategic planning. The party’s national chairperson, Gladys Wanga, announced that recent grassroots elections were a critical step toward strengthening the party’s structures and ensuring readiness for the next presidential contest.
Wanga, who also serves as the Homa Bay Governor, emphasized the significance of the successful grassroots polls, asserting that they demonstrated the party’s enduring popularity and organizational maturity. Speaking at Alara Korayo Primary School in Kochia, Rangwe Constituency, after participating in the elections, Wanga expressed confidence that ODM is destined to form the next government.
Grassroots Elections: A Foundation for Victory
ODM conducted grassroots elections to select 30 officials at polling stations. These officials will play a pivotal role in steering party activities and mobilizing support at the local level. The exercise, described as peaceful and transparent, was hailed as a milestone in promoting democracy within the party. According to Wanga, the elections underscore ODM’s commitment to addressing past irregularities and ensuring credibility in its internal processes.
“We have demonstrated maturity through a peaceful and transparent exercise. The participation of our members signifies that ODM remains strong and popular across the country,” Wanga said.
She also noted that consensus-building played a significant role in the elections, with many candidates opting to agree on leadership positions to avoid divisive contests. Where differences arose, voting was used to resolve disputes, further showcasing the party’s commitment to democratic principles.
Strategic Alliances and Coalition Building
Wanga revealed that ODM is actively engaging other political parties to forge alliances that could strengthen its position ahead of the 2027 polls. While coalition-building remains a topic for future discussions, she emphasized the importance of creating a united front to increase the party’s chances of success.
“The ODM leadership is talking with members of other political parties to join the Orange Party and make it stronger. We’ll implement additional strategies as the clock ticks toward the election,” she stated.
Aiming for the Presidency
ODM has been a dominant force in Kenyan politics since its inception, with its leader, Raila Odinga, contesting the presidency in four consecutive elections. Despite falling short each time, the party continues to command a significant following. Wanga highlighted the importance of revitalizing the party’s image and implementing feasible strategies to ensure victory in 2027.
“Our objective is to capture power in 2027. The grassroots polls were conducted with this sole purpose in mind,” Wanga remarked, adding that the party’s drawing board is already active with plans to enhance its vibrancy and appeal.
Daniel Ogenga, Secretary of the ODM Elections Committee in Homa Bay County, echoed Wanga’s sentiments, emphasizing the role of grassroots officials in popularizing the party. He lauded the elections as credible and transparent, a reflection of ODM’s commitment to empowering local leadership.
“Our mandate is to ensure that ODM remains strong at the grassroots. That’s why we prioritized a fair and transparent process to strengthen our foundation,” Ogenga said.
With the 2027 general election approaching, ODM is positioning itself as a formidable contender for the presidency. By addressing internal challenges, promoting democracy, and building alliances, the party aims to enhance its electoral prospects. Wanga’s optimism reflects a renewed determination within ODM to rewrite its electoral history and lead Kenya into a new political chapter.
As the party intensifies its preparations, the outcome of these efforts will determine whether ODM can finally achieve its long-standing ambition of capturing the presidency.
