Former ODM leader Raila Odinga endorses Gladys Wanga to run for Homa Bay governorship at Agoro Sare High School on July 3, 2022.

📋 Breaking It Down

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) National Chairperson Gladys Wanga has accused Linda Mwananchi leaders of betraying the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga by fighting his broad-based government initiative.

The Homa Bay Governor said the leaders, who claim to have been close to Odinga, have joined forces with individuals who fought to exclude ODM and its support base from government.

Governor Wanga said that by working with Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, whom she accused of perpetuating politics of exclusion and tribalism, the ODM breakaway leaders had betrayed Mr Odinga in death.

📌 What You Need to Know

Led by the Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, the breakaway team has Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonko, and his Vihiga counterpart Godfrey Osotsi, among other ODM elected MPs.

However, in a recent interview, Mr Sifuna said he believed he had kept his word to the veteran opposition leader that he would protect ODM and Raila’s legacy but had to chart his own political path after the party was hijacked and reconciliation efforts failed.

“I want Baba, whenever he is, to know that I actually kept my promise during his burial (in 2025) not to be the one to wreck his party. I believe that I tried my best to keep the party united, just as I said in Bondo,” he said.

Nairobi Senator and The Equitable Party (TEP) leader Edwin Sifuna during a joint media engagement at Four Points By Sheraton Nairobi Hurlingham on October 9, 2026.

Governor Wanga described Odinga as a great fighter for human rights and social justice, and a believer in expanded democratic space. She likened the death of Odinga to the falling of a big tree that has been home to many birds, while admitting how the loss exposed the outfit to major ideological differences.

I was up early, headed to Kajiado for ODM @20 celebrations when I received a call from Junet Mohamed telling me Mzee ametuacha (the old man has left us); it was indeed a really sad and dark day.

📰 Source: Nation Africa