ODM chair Gladys Wanga: Raila left us in broad-based govt; that’s where we are
By Steve Ireri, October 19, 2025ODM Chairperson and Homabay Governor Gladys Wanga has affirmed that the party will faithfully follow the late Raila Odinga’s final instructions regarding Kenya’s political direction.
Speaking during his funeral at JOOUST on Sunday, October 19, 2025, Wanga made it clear that Raila had left the party with a well-defined mandate to remain engaged in the broad-based government for the stability and unity of the nation.
Also watch: Raila Odinga’s funeral service and burial in Bondo
According to Wanga, Raila’s guidance was always precise, leaving no room for ambiguity.
“The last instruction he left us with, with a very clear mind, was that he agreed to work with your government for the stability of the nation inside the broad-based government. That is the last standing instruction that Baba gave us, and as a people and as a party, that is where we will stand,” Wanga said.
She explained that in his absence, the party must continually ask itself what Raila would have done when faced with difficult decisions, particularly those affecting national unity, hope, and cohesion.
She emphasised that ODM’s position will mirror the path he had laid out, ensuring his vision for a stable and united Kenya continues to guide their actions.
Also watch: Leaders stream into Jaramogi University for Raila’s final rites
“Our message is simple: because Raila was our direction and today we do not have him to consult, we must ask ourselves in any situation what Raila would do. Faced with a decision about the unity of the country or division, what would he do? Faced with a decision of hope or despair, what would he do? Faced with two sides, what would he choose,” she said.
Reflecting on Raila’s extraordinary political legacy, Wanga noted that he had built ODM into one of the largest and most vibrant parties in Africa, with a presence stretching from Kwale to Turkana and from Wajir to Siaya.
She paid tribute to the party’s over seven million members, many of whom were unable to attend the funeral, but whose steadfast commitment ensures that Raila’s spirit and vision remain alive.
“Allow me, on behalf of the party, to thank the people for standing with him. We say thank you. Over the last twenty years, Raila built a national, vibrant, and dynamic party, the largest in sub-Saharan Africa and north of the Limpopo, the Forum Party. It has members from Kwale up to Turkana and from Wajir to Siaya. To the over seven million members of ODM who are not here, we say pole, but we remain focused and Raila’s spirit lives on,” Wanga said.
Demands to govt
In addition to political guidance, Wanga expressed profound gratitude to President William Ruto for the honour and dignity extended during the state burial, noting his personal involvement in overseeing the ceremonies. She praised his respect for Raila’s legacy and said it would be remembered by the party and the nation alike.
“To our President Ruto, I want to thank you on behalf of the party for the honour and dignity that you have granted our patriot as he lies here in a state burial, which you have personally overseen. We do not take it for granted. We also ask with honour that the upcoming sixty thousand capacity stadium be named the Raila Odinga Talanta Stadium.”
Wanga also proposed a lasting tribute to the late leader, calling for the upcoming Talanta stadium to be named the Raila Odinga Talanta Stadium.
She said this would preserve his legacy, inspire future generations, and serve as a constant reminder that great men leave footprints for others to follow.
“To our President Ruto, I want to thank you on behalf of the party for the honour and dignity that you have granted our patriot as he lies here in a state burial, which you have personally overseen. We do not take it for granted. We also ask with honour that the upcoming sixty thousand capacity stadium be named the Raila Odinga Talanta Stadium,” she said.