ODM vows clean sweep in looming by-elections

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Chairperson Gladys Wanga has expressed confidence that the party will win all the seats it is contesting in the upcoming by-elections scheduled for November.

Speaking at Chungwa House during the issuance of nomination certificates to the party’s candidates, Wanga said ODM is determined to secure all contested seats.

“Our responsibility is to deliver every seat where ODM has fielded a candidate. ODM is a national party and a very strong one,” said Wanga.

She also urged party members to follow the direction of ODM leader Raila Odinga. “When Raila says go right, we go right. When he says left, we go left. If he says fire, then it’s fire,” Wanga added.

The by-elections will take place in several constituencies, including Kasipul Kabondo and Ugunja, where ODM candidates will face rivals from other political parties.

Party officials emphasized the need for unity and reiterated that ODM remains the party with the largest membership in the country.

Suna East MP Junet Mohamed congratulated ODM candidates for remaining loyal to the party instead of defecting to rival parties.

“This is the only party. ODM is here to stay,” he said, dismissing claims that the party is weakening. He assured supporters that ODM is not going anywhere and remains the only party with a national outlook.

The leaders also criticized Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of running a tribal-based political outfit under the guise of a national party.

“You are leading a tribal organization in the name of a party. Form a real political party, then we will teach you how parties are run in Kenya,” Junet said.

He reiterated what he previously stated in Narok—that ODM will form the government in 2027 with or without a coalition. He emphasized that ODM will never remain in the opposition.

Party leaders also invited supporters to an upcoming celebration in Mombasa, calling it a reflection of ODM’s strong grassroots support. “To our candidates, you are not alone. The party stands firmly behind you,” Wanga said.

ODM’s Narok County Chairperson, who also represents the Rift Valley ODM leadership, affirmed strong support for the party in Narok and across the wider Rift Valley region, including Kajiado County. Speaking on behalf of the Maasai community, the chairperson said:

“We, the people of Narok, have no other political home that protects the rights of the Maasai people like ODM does. We have full confidence in our party leaders, including Hon. Raila Odinga, Junet Mohamed, and Ledama Olekina,” said Nalengoyo Torome.

He called on all ODM leaders to work together and strengthen grassroots party structures to ensure continued growth and internal democracy.

“I urge all ODM leaders to come out and lead our party to victory. Let’s work together at the grassroots and build unity within ODM,” said Torome.

Among the candidates who received nomination certificates were Boyd Were for Kasipul Kabondo Constituency and Moses Omondi for Ugunja.

Other wards where certificates were issued include Kariobangi North Ward, Narok Town Ward, Nyamaiongo Ward, and Nyamaiya Ward.