Policy and Political Expert Odoyo Owidi has accused Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga of pursuing personal political goals and attempting to entrench her influence within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), amid growing debate over succession politics ahead of the 2027 elections.
Owidi, speaking during a Radio Generation interview on Wednesday, said Wanga’s recent political messaging and positioning point to an effort to expand her influence beyond county leadership and establish herself within national power structures. He argued that her actions reflect a calculated push for higher office and raise concerns about internal competition within ODM.
“When you hear people like Gladys talking, they are only serving their personal interests,” he said.
He further claimed that Wanga is actively working to build a strong regional base, which he described as an attempt to create a political “fiefdom” that could boost her bargaining power in national politics.
“Gladys has been trying to create a fiefdom for herself,” he said, adding that her strategy is aimed at expanding her influence beyond county politics.
Owidi also linked her political posture to efforts to align with emerging national alliances, particularly around President William Ruto, suggesting that such moves are part of a broader attempt to remain relevant in shifting political dynamics.
“She’s been thinking that she can actually fit into certain political spaces,” Owidi said. “She’s been trying to play some militant politics.”
He went on to question proposals attributed to Wanga regarding coalition arrangements between ODM and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), especially the suggestion of a 50–50 power-sharing structure if the two parties work together.
“She started coming again that it is 50-50, ODM 50, UDA 50, and if only UDA takes the president, we take the running mate,” he said. “But she has never told us who this running mate will be.”
Owidi argued that such proposals lack clarity and have not been backed by a clear consensus within the party, raising doubts about their practicality in coalition negotiations.
He further suggested that Wanga herself could be positioning for the deputy president role, while questioning the implications of such a move on her current office.
“I am ready to tell her, Madam Gladys, I think you should be the best running mate. So what you do? Resign now from being the governor,” he said, before adding that such a move is unlikely.
Owidi’s remarks come at a time when Wanga has been at the centre of discussions around ODM’s approach to coalition politics and power-sharing ahead of the next general election. She has repeatedly stated that ODM would only consider working with UDA under a strict 50–50 arrangement, including sharing key national positions.
During recent party engagements, she emphasized that if UDA retains the presidency, ODM must secure equal participation in government, including the deputy president position. Her comments have fuelled speculation that ODM is seeking to strengthen its negotiating position ahead of potential alliances.
Wanga has also encouraged ODM supporters to compete for all elective seats, including the deputy president role, as part of a broader strategy to enhance the party’s influence. While she has not officially declared interest in the position, political conversations within ODM have increasingly linked her to possible consideration for the running mate slot in a future coalition.
Party insiders, however, maintain that any final decision on such positions will depend on internal consensus and broader coalition talks, which are expected to shape the political landscape as the 2027 elections approach.
Owidi also suggested that Wanga’s political path has been influenced by her association with senior political figures, including the late Raila Odinga, arguing that she has previously leveraged such alliances to advance her career.
“She’s believed in running on the back of President William Ruto the same way she ran on the back of Raila Odinga to become what she is today,” he said.
He claimed that this approach reflects a pattern of aligning with prominent leaders rather than building independent political strength rooted in grassroots support.
Owidi further criticized Wanga’s performance as governor, saying that voters are closely observing leadership delivery and that governance outcomes will play a key role in shaping political ambitions.
“You can’t go around distributing money in Murang’a when back at home the nurses are on the street, the beds are empty,” he said. “People watch that.”
He added that public expectations are shifting toward accountability and tangible results rather than rhetoric.
“People see that. The people are watching what you do, not what you say,” he added.
Comparing her approach with Raila Odinga’s political style, Owidi argued that consistency and clear purpose are essential for long-term political relevance.
“There’s no time that Raila owed the public anything that he was supposed to deliver and did not,” he said. “He was very focused on fighting for democracy, and in that line, he scored highly.”
He concluded by warning that internal competition within ODM is likely to intensify as leaders position themselves for future roles, suggesting that personal ambitions could deepen divisions within the party.
“There are already many people who are stronger, who have better records,” he said.
The remarks highlight growing tensions within ODM as leaders navigate questions of succession, coalition strategy, and internal unity ahead of a politically competitive period.