Thousands pack Kirembe grounds as Chairperson declares President Ruto more honest than Uhuru, and ODM a vehicle for power negotiation
KISUMU, May 31st -In a dramatic show of political muscle, thousands of supporters thronged the Kirembe grounds in Kisumu on Sunday as ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga delivered a blunt verdict on past alliances and unveiled a new path: strengthening the party as the region’s undisputed political vehicle, even as it eyes a pre-election pact with UDA.
Wanga, who is also Homabay Governor, did not mince words about the administration of former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“We have made alliances before with other previous regimes with nothing to show for it, like the dishonest Uhuru Kenyatta administration,” Wanga asserted to a roaring crowd.
She declared that unlike the handshake era, the current broad-based government under President William Ruto has demonstrated honesty in honouring agreements between Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
“President Ruto has demonstrated honesty in honouring a number of agreements between him and former Premier Raila Odinga. Our people have been positioned in key government departments that drive the country’s economy,” Wanga said.
The ODM Chairperson stressed that the party’s main agenda is to fortify its traditional base as the country marches toward the 2027 general elections.
“Even as we focus on strengthening ODM as a vehicle for power negotiation with UDA, we will continue to honour our commitment to the broad-based government,” Wanga announced, signalling that ODM intends to negotiate from a position of strength.
The Kisumu rally, which drew a sea of orange-clad supporters, also passed key resolutions reaffirming that the region is “one indivisible and united people,” and that any political engagement must be channelled through ODM.
The party reiterated its commitment to Party Leader Dr. Oburu Odinga and the current leadership structure.
Wanga contrasted Ruto’s approach with that of the previous administration, noting that Nyanza is now enjoying massive infrastructural development in housing, modern markets, health, and road networks something she said was absent under the Uhuru-Raila handshake.
“President Ruto’s commitment to unite the country is a clear demonstration of trustworthy leadership, a sharp contrast to the Uhuru administration that offered nothing in return,” Wanga said.
She warned absent party members to align before “the ship moves further,” underscoring that the Kisumu rally marks the beginning of a new, focused journey toward unity and political relevance.
