Gladys Wanga Rules Out Direct Nominations for ODM Primaries: "Everyone Must Go to the Ground"

ODM Chair Gladys Wanga declares all 2027 aspirants must face grassroots elections, ruling out direct nominations and warning UDA against encroaching on party zones.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 15, 2026, 6:14 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Tuko

A Firm Stance on Party Primaries

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) National Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor, Gladys Wanga, has declared an end to the culture of direct nominations within the party. Speaking on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, during public engagements in her home county, Wanga sent a clear message to all political hopefuls: the path to an ODM ticket lies through the voters, not through party leadership connections. She insisted that the party is committed to a transparent and competitive process to ensure that only those with genuine grassroots support represent the party in the 2027 polls.

"Kila Mtu Aende Ground"

Wanga dismissed rumors that closeness to the party's top brass would guarantee a nomination. She explicitly stated that knowing her or other senior officials like Oburu Oginga would yield no special favors. "If you want any political seat through ODM, you must talk to the people," she asserted. By mandating that every aspirant "go to the ground," the party aims to strengthen its connection with the electorate and field candidates who have been vetted and approved by local communities, rather than handpicked by the secretariat.

Defending Strongholds Against UDA Incursion

The chairperson’s remarks come amidst increasing political activity from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), which has signaled its intent to field candidates in traditional ODM bastions. Wanga issued a stern warning against what she termed "external interference," vowing that ODM would safeguard its parliamentary strength and influence in Nyanza and other loyal regions. She emphasized that the party’s traditional areas remain "ODM zones" and that the leadership will not allow its political base to be eroded "even by an inch."