Wanga thanks ODM for historic appointment, urges youth to power party’s future

Homa Bay Governor and National Chairperson of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Gladys Wanga, expressed gratitude to the party’s national governing council following her appointment to the position.

Speaking in Mombasa during the ODM at 20 celebrations on Friday, Wanga said that this is the first time a woman holds the position and went further to call on the youth to take part in making the ODM a vibrant party.

“I am deeply honoured and grateful that the party’s national governing council to considered me to be the national chairperson of the party. This actually is the first time a woman gets to hold this position in the party,” Wanga said.

She acknowledged that through the sacrifices made by Raila Odinga, ODM has remained standing and continues to look toward the future with hope.

“I would like to remember our departed party leader for steering this party to the level it is today. He built a party that can stand strong based on institutions. Today we are able to sit here as the national governing convention because of the work he put in for the last 20 years,” she said.

Her remarks came a day after the National Governing Council approved Senator Oburu Oginga as party leader, alongside deputy party leaders Abdulswamad Nassir, Simba Arati, and Godfrey Osotsi.

Other approvals included vice chairpersons Otiende Amollo and Ariko Namoit, Deputy Organising Secretary Ruth Odinga, and Secretary of Political Affairs Rosa Buyu, ahead of final ratification at the National Delegates Convention.

She addressed hundreds of young delegates in Mombasa on Friday during the second day of ODM at 20 celebrations, urging the youth to take up leadership and drive the party toward national victory.

Wanga anchored her message on Raila Odinga’s long-held vision of a “glory land” and emphasised that young members must serve as the party’s engine as it charts its future path.

“Mimi nataka niseme hivi kwa vijana, ODM ni nyinyi, hii chama ni ya vijana… ile heshima tunaweza kumpatia Baba (Raila Odinga), ni kuchunga, kupenda na kuingia, kujisajili, na kusonga mbele na chama cha ODM… kuhakikisha ya kwamba ikifika 2027, uongozi wa Kenya inachukuliwa na ODM, hiyo ndio kazi yetu,” Wanga told delegates, calling on youth to actively participate in party activities.

She reinforced her message, urging young members to scale up mobilisation. “Hakuna kitu itafanyika kwa chama bila vijana wa ODM. ODM Youth, take over the party, make it vibrant and strong and take us to Canaan,” she added.

Wanga also referenced Raila Odinga’s 2022 Kasarani message as a symbolic handover. “I have been to the mountain top, I have seen the glory land… together you will get there,” she said, highlighting the need for continuity in the party’s journey.

She pledged to move the party forward, securing gains such as devolution, democratic progress, and inclusivity.

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