By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 9 May 2026 - The simmering succession contest within Orange Democratic Movement has burst into the open after party chairperson Gladys Wanga launched a fierce defence of defacto Party Leader Oburu Oginga Odinga and the “Linda Ground” faction aligned to the broad-based government arrangement with President William Ruto.
Her remarks exposed deepening ideological and strategic fractures within ODM as competing camps position themselves for influence in the post-Raila Odinga era.
Wanga questioned the credibility of leaders now resisting Oburu’s leadership trajectory despite having publicly stood beside him during his symbolic installation months ago. Her criticism appeared directly aimed at James Orengo, Edwin Sifuna and Anyang' Nyong'o, who have lately projected caution towards ODM’s growing proximity to President Ruto’s administration.
“We cannot pretend to forget history. When Dr Oburu Oginga Odinga was being installed seven months ago, the very leaders now distancing themselves were standing firmly beside him. They celebrated that moment with us and endorsed the direction of the party,” said Wanga.
“Our leaders must speak honestly to the people. If they oppose the efforts to strengthen ODM through the broad-based government formation, then they should clearly explain their agenda for the Luo community and for Kenyans instead of sending mixed political signals,” she added.
The battle is no longer merely about personalities. It is rapidly evolving into a contest over ODM’s future identity. One faction favours cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza administration through the broad-based government framework, arguing that engagement delivers development and political relevance.
The opposing wing fears ODM risks losing its historic opposition credentials and ideological soul by moving too close to State House.
Wanga framed the Linda Ground movement as the legitimate continuation of Raila Odinga’s political legacy. Her message suggested that Oburu represents continuity, stability and access to power rather than perpetual resistance politics.
“No amount of insults or political slur will stop us from defending the ideals that Raila Odinga left with us under the broad-based government arrangement. We believe this path offers opportunity, unity and progress for our people,” Wanga declared.
“Wananchi should rally behind Dr Oburu Oginga Odinga because the future of the party is bright under his guidance. Working together with President William Ruto will achieve more for our people than shouting from the opposition benches,” she charged.
The endorsements from Aduma Owuor, Kisumu MCAs and county assembly leadership signalled that sections of the Luo political establishment are increasingly embracing the cooperation route.
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Their declarations illustrated how local leaders are aligning themselves early around the emerging centres of influence within ODM.
“We support the Linda Ground initiative because politics must move beyond confrontation and focus on securing development for our constituents. The talks being spearheaded by Dr Oburu with President Ruto are necessary and timely,” said Nyakach MP Aduma Owuor.
“We are convinced this political direction will succeed because it is anchored on dialogue, unity and practical leadership. Our people expect results and not endless political battles,” the MP added.
Kisumu MCAs led by Majority Leader Ken Ooko, Chief Whip Seth Kanga and Speaker Elisha Oraro also threw their weight behind the pro-Oburu faction.
“We stand fully behind Dr Oburu Oginga Odinga and the broad-based government formation because this is the surest route towards political stability and economic transformation in the region,” the MCAs stated.
“The Linda Ground movement is not about surrendering ODM principles. It is about ensuring that our people remain inside the national conversation and benefit directly from government programmes and opportunities,” they added.
Yet beneath the public bravado lies anxiety over succession and regional political direction. Raila’s gradual withdrawal from frontline domestic politics has created a vacuum that several power centres are quietly attempting to fill. Oburu’s emergence therefore carries symbolic weight beyond ordinary party administration. It touches on the sensitive question of who inherits political stewardship of the Luo community and ODM’s national machinery.
The unfolding confrontation may ultimately determine whether ODM transforms into a cooperative governing partner or reasserts itself as Kenya’s principal opposition force. Either way, Wanga’s sharp remarks confirmed that the struggle for ODM’s future has decisively begun.
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