ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga has called on party members to stay united and disciplined as the party navigates a delicate transition period following the death of longtime leader Raila Odinga, urging leaders to put aside divisions and focus on rebuilding and preparing for the future.
Speaking on Friday during the party’s Special Delegates Convention at Jamhuri Grounds in Nairobi, Wanga described the moment as a turning point in ODM’s journey, stressing the need for reflection and collective resolve among members.
“It is a great honor and solemn privilege to address you at this special delegates convention convened at a defining moment in the life of our party,” she said.
She acknowledged the deep sense of loss still felt across the party, noting that many members are yet to come to terms with Odinga’s death.
“Five months ago, we suffered a loss so profound that many among us are still struggling to come to terms with it. We lost the one leader who, for two decades had embodied the soul, the courage and the direction of this movement,” she said.
ODM delegates at the party’s Special National Delegates Convention on March 27, 2026 PHOTOS DAVID BOGONKO NYOKANG’I/RG
Wanga paid tribute to Odinga’s legacy, saying his leadership gave the party its identity and guided its values over the years.
“Baba did not simply lead ODM, he gave it character, purpose and staying power. He taught us that politics must always be anchored in principle, that leadership must be tested by sacrifice, and that the struggle for justice is never in vain,” she said.
Even as she reflected on the loss, Wanga urged members to remain focused on the party’s mission, saying the movement must continue.
“We are here because the journey did not end with him. We are here because the cause he carried remains alive,” she said.
She called on members to reorganise and prepare for the next phase, urging unity and shared responsibility.
“In his memory and in honor of all those who walk this journey before us, we must now put our house in order, steady ourselves and prepare for the road ahead,” she said.
Wanga described ODM as a party built through sacrifice and resilience, noting that it has weathered both victories and setbacks.
“He left us a party forged in sacrifice and tempered in struggle. He left us a party that has known both triumph and disappointment, yet refused to retreat,” she said.
She stressed that the party’s strength lies in unity rather than internal conflict.
“That strength does not lie in noise, nor in division, but in unity of purpose and clarity of mission,” she said.
Calling for calm and maturity, Wanga urged leaders to avoid internal fights and personal rivalries during this period.
“This is not a time for blame. It is not a time for wars. It is not for petty ego contest. It is a time for unity. It is a time for reflection,” she said.
She challenged members to live up to the values they associate with Odinga, saying commitment must go beyond words.
“If we truly own Baba, then we must show it, not only in words, but in our conduct, our discipline, our willingness to put the movement above self,” she said.
Wanga also reflected on the lessons she said Odinga instilled in the party, including discipline, courage and focus.
“He taught us patriotism. He taught us sacrifice. He taught us tolerance. He taught us compromise. He taught us courage, but perhaps above all, he taught us focus,” she said.
She warned against distractions, urging members to stay committed to the party’s broader goals.
“He taught us not to be distracted by passing provocation, however glittering,” she added.
Outlining the party’s direction, Wanga said ODM must continue to champion reform, devolution and good governance.
“ODM must remain the party of change and transformation. We must remain defenders of devolution and of good governance,” she said.
She reaffirmed the party’s commitment to key principles, including respect for the Constitution and human rights.
“We must continue to stand for inclusion, constitutionalism, rule of law and respect for human rights,” she said.
Looking ahead, she emphasised the importance of building unity within the party before engaging with external partners.
“Before we negotiate with others, we must find coherence within ourselves. Before we speak as a party to the nation, we must speak honestly to one another,” she said.
Wanga closed her address with a message of resilience, urging members to remain hopeful and united as they move forward.
“This is not the hour to lose faith. It is the hour to gather strength. It is not the hour to scatter. It is the hour to close ranks,” she said.