The ODM party is ready to fight in the 2027 presidential election after the party's successful grassroots polls, national chairperson Gladys Wanga has said.
She argued that the turnout by the party members to participate in the exercise signified that ODM is still popular as compared to other political parties across the country.
According to Wanga, the exercise was part of their ways of strengthening the party in readiness to participate and clinch the 2027 presidential election.
ODM has participated in four general elections with its leader Raila Odinga being on the ballot as a presidential candidate.
In all four general elections, the party has not succeeded in clinching the presidency.
Despite the loss, Wanga said they are coming up with a new strategy aimed at capturing power in the forthcoming general election.
“The grassroots polls are done with the sole objective of ODM of capturing power in 2027. Maturity has been demonstrated after members participated in a peaceful exercise,” Wanga said.
Speaking at Alara Korayo primary school in Kochia, Rangwe constituency after participating in the election exercise, Wanga said ODM is destined to form government in the next general election.
Wanga announced that the party is on a drawing board to enable it to come up with feasible strategies of capturing power.
She urged party officials to make the party vibrant and popular to ensure they win in the next polls.
ODM was electing 30 people as officials at polling stations.
Other officials of the party will be elected in subsequent elections to represent the party leadership in wards, constituency and county levels.
The elected officials will steer the party leadership in their respective jurisdictions to register people to join the party.
“ODM leadership is talking with members of other political parties to join the Orange Party for the party to remain strong. We’ll implement other strategies as the clock ticks towards the election,” she said.
The party chairperson said they are keen on addressing irregularities which had marred the party elections before.
The party is also promoting democracy in its elections as a way of attracting more members.
“It is evident that ODM grassroots elections were generally peaceful and undertaken in a transparent manner. Candidates who opted for consensus have had their way while those who had divergent opinions have been voted to determine the winners,” she added.
The Homa Bay governor said the party may consider forming a coalition with other political parties. However, this will be discussed at a later stage.
Wanga’s comments were supported by the Secretary of the ODM Elections Committee in Homa Bay County Daniel Ogenga who said their objective is to deliver credible grassroots elections to strengthen the party.
“We’re tasked to popularise ODM at the grassroots. That is why we ensured a transparent and credible exercise,” Ogenga said.
