Governor of Homabay County Gladys Wanga has pledged to serve the Orange Democratic Party (ODM) with full commitment following her official appointment as the party’s new national chairperson during the ODM’s 20th anniversary celebrations held on Thursday, November 13, 2025, in Mombasa.
Wanga was among several new party officials confirmed in permanent positions after previously serving in acting roles, alongside the newly confirmed party leader Oburu Oginga, who has succeeded his younger brother, the late Raila Odinga.
In her acceptance speech, Wanga expressed her joy at being the first woman to hold this position and vowed to build on the progress initiated by Raila, ensuring the party remains strong.
“I am deeply honored and thankful to the party’s national governing council for appointing me as the national chairperson. This is the first time a woman has held this role in the party,” she said.
She recognized that ODM’s resilience and hopeful outlook for the future are due to the sacrifices made by Raila.
Remembering Raila’s legacy, she said, “I want to honor our late party leader for guiding this party to its current stature. He established a party grounded in strong institutions. We are able to convene this national governing convention today because of his work over the past 20 years.”
“As we stand here today, we will stand with the people and not let them down. I am committed to advancing this party and safeguarding achievements such as devolution, democratic progress, and inclusivity,” she added.
During the Special Session of the party’s National Governing Council, Senator Oburu Oginga was also confirmed as party leader.
Deputy Party Leaders Abdulswamad Nassir, Simba Arati, and Godfrey Osoti were approved, along with Ariko Namoit and Otiende Amollo as vice chairpersons.
Additionally, Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga and Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu were appointed as Deputy Organising Secretary and Secretary of Political Affairs, respectively. All these appointments are pending ratification by the National Delegates Convention (NDC).
