Gladys Wanga Pushes for Power-Sharing Deal Ahead of 2027 Elections
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has stepped into the national political spotlight after outlining a bold position on power-sharing negotiations ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election.
Speaking during recent public engagements in Nyanza, Wanga—who also serves as the national chairperson of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)—declared that her party will only enter into coalition talks on a 50-50 power-sharing basis with potential partners.
According to the governor, ODM considers itself a major political force and will not accept a subordinate role in any future government arrangement. She emphasized that negotiations will not only revolve around political positions, but also key issues affecting ordinary Kenyans.
“If they take half, ODM also takes half… If they take the presidency, the deputy is ODM,” Wanga stated, underscoring the party’s firm stance.
Her remarks come amid growing political realignments as parties begin early preparations for the 2027 elections. ODM has already signaled its intention to strengthen its grassroots structures while positioning itself as a key player in any coalition formation.
At the same time, Wanga has been vocal about protecting ODM strongholds, warning against attempts by rival parties to field candidates in regions traditionally dominated by her party. She insisted that ODM will approach any negotiations “as equal partners,” reflecting a more assertive political posture.
However, her recent statements have not gone unchallenged. Some political leaders have criticized her remarks on past elections, accusing her of misrepresenting historical political dynamics, an indication of the intensifying political discourse as the country edges closer to the next polls.
Beyond national politics, Wanga continues to defend her development record in Homa Bay County, highlighting infrastructure expansion, improved healthcare indicators, and economic initiatives as key achievements of her administration since taking office in 2022. As the county’s second governor—and among the few female governors in Kenya—she has positioned herself as both a regional leader and a national political voice.
Her latest remarks signal a shift toward more structured and strategic coalition politics, potentially shaping the balance of power ahead of 2027. With early negotiations already taking shape, Wanga’s stance places ODM at the center of Kenya’s evolving political landscape.
As the debate intensifies, one thing remains clear: Gladys Wanga is not just focused on county leadership—she is increasingly influencing the direction of national politics.
