ODM National Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga during a past meeting in her office. PHOTO | COURTESY

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) National Chairperson Gladys Wanga has called for unity within the party, warning that internal divisions could cost the political outfit crucial seats in its traditional strongholds during the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during an interview on Ramogi TV on Tuesday evening, Wanga emphasized the need to strengthen ODM in areas where it has historically enjoyed support, cautioning that infighting within the party could prove just as damaging as external opposition.

"We want to strengthen our party in all our strongholds. We cannot have too much ‘friendly fire'. Friendly fires also kill," Wanga said, drawing a stark comparison between internal party competition and its electoral consequences.

She pointed to the 2017 elections as a cautionary tale, recalling how ODM lost the Lang'ata Parliamentary seat in Nairobi during a period when the party was in a coalition arrangement.

"This is not the first time we will be in a coalition. We lost seats like Lang'ata in Nairobi in the 2017 elections. We must be united and strong to win in our strongholds," noted the Homa Bay Governor.

Wanga praised ODM leader Dr. Oburu Oginga for providing steady leadership to the party during a turbulent period, saying he has led the outfit with the clarity that was needed following the demise of his brother and longtime party leader Raila Odinga and the chaos that followed afterwards.

On the question of her own political future, Wanga struck a confident yet democratic tone, declaring: "Defeating me will be a difficult task, but I will offer myself to the party nomination, including other seats in Homa Bay County," adding that the party would subject all seats to free and fair nominations.

The Governor also acknowledged the role of Mama Ida Odinga in party affairs.

"I thank Mama Ida Odinga for stepping up and giving her voice in the efforts of protecting our party ODM," Wanga said.

The interview comes at a time when ODM is grappling with questions about its future direction and leadership following the passing of Raila Odinga, who was the party's founding leader and perennial presidential candidate.  By Cleophas Oluoch, Citizen Digital