Three months after ODM announced plans for talks with UDA, party chairperson Gladys Wanga detailed an emerging equal partnership agreement to protect strongholds ahead of the 2027 elections, including mechanisms for consultations on key government decisions.
In a progression from ODM's January Central Committee decision to initiate structured negotiations with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), ODM chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga revealed key details of the emerging agreement in an interview with Taifa Leo. The deal positions both parties as equal partners, focusing on policies, terms, and government structure before submission to the Registrar of Political Parties.
"Makubaliano hayo lazima yawe na muundo wa kusuluhisha migogoro inayotokea ndani ya muungano. Pia kutakuwa na jukwaa la kushauriana kuhusu teuzi za mawaziri, bajeti na sheria badala ya majukumu hayo kuwa mikononi mwa chama cha rais," Wanga stated.
Addressing concerns from some ODM members about ceding control of strongholds, Wanga assured the party would use its registry for nominations, with a committee for disputes. "Kama tumeachiwa ngome zetu nasi lazima tumakinike kuwa sauti ya wananchi inazingatiwa na tutatumia sajili ya chama kuandaa teuzi zetu. Kuachiwa ngome hakufai kutumiwa kiimla na wawaniaji ambao si maarufu kulazimishiwa raia," she added.
ODM is preparing its National Delegates Conference (NDC) this Friday, dismissing parallel events by rebels and pledging to respect court rulings. Serving her first term as governor, Wanga dismissed rumors of being President William Ruto's 2027 running mate, deferring to party decisions.