ODM will not surrender Nyanza, Wanga tells UDA in fiery address

ODM will not surrender Nyanza, Wanga tells UDA in fiery address

A video has captured Homa Bay Governor and ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga issuing a strong warning against the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party’s perceived infiltration into the Nyanza region, insisting ODM will not allow its parliamentary numbers or influence in its stronghold to shrink.

Speaking during an event, Wanga declared that UDA should not attempt to take over any seats in Nyanza, emphasising the need to retain all ODM positions in the upcoming elections.

An agitated Wanga delivered a stern warning to UDA candidates eyeing the region.

"As the National chairperson of Homabay party, I want to make it clear that this Homabay county is an ODM zone and the next time I see what happened at the funeral of Koyo where my party leader is seated and some people have come there shouting UDA, we will not agree or accept, it will not happen not under my watch, this ODM zone na hatutaki madharau and you can see were are quite usione simba amenyeshwa ukadhani ni paka."

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has warned that Nyanza remains an ODM stronghold, cautioning UDA supporters against chanting rival slogans in the region after an incident at a recent funeral attended by party leader Oburu Odinga.

Wanga, who is also ODM National Chairperson,… pic.twitter.com/EuHR5qi0Yp

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Wanga emphasised that “defending our party comes first, before anything else,” signalling a strong focus on party discipline and loyalty, particularly amid reports of shifting political allegiances.

"This ODM zone and we wish to protect our party with our lives, if you want, dare us bring it on’’.

She maintained that while ODM has supporters working within a broad-based government, the party is not in a formal merger with UDA and remains a standalone entity.

Her remarks have sparked debate, with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua alleging that Wanga and others are attempting to shield a weakened party while engaging with the government.

The video has attracted critical reactions on X.

Kangethe wrote, "Gladys Wanga is slowly coming to the sad reality that was long con by the chief liar himself, and might be joining Linda Mwananchi, led by Sifuna, any time. Clock ticking.’’

Hussein added, "Wanga is crying, the moment Riggy G was warning them they were calling him a tribalist’’.

Okeago Omari commented, "Too late, no gatekeeping of regions."

Wanga clarified that her warnings against political infiltration are aimed at preventing the erosion of ODM’s dominance by opposition forces, rather than restricting individuals from visiting the region.

Her remarks come amid heightened emotions and allegations surrounding the deaths of ODM leaders, including former Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were.

She further pledged that ODM will ensure free and fair nominations for all seats in Nyanza, in a bid to maintain its foothold in the region.