Speaking during a televised interview aired on Friday, December 30, Wanga clarified that she intends to seek a second term as Homa Bay governor and is not actively pursuing any national executive position beyond her current role as chairperson of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Wanga stated that her priority is completing her development agenda in Homa Bay and seeking a renewed mandate from voters if they deem her worthy.
She stressed that the people of the county elected her to serve as governor, and that responsibility remains her main political commitment.
“I was elected by the people of Homa Bay to be their governor, and if they agree, my wish is to be re-elected in 2027,” she said.
“Beyond that, I am already a national leader as the chairperson of ODM, and I am content with that responsibility.”
The governor acknowledged that political speculation is inevitable, especially for leaders holding senior party positions, but insisted that such discussions should not be mistaken for personal ambition.
“People will always talk, and you cannot stop them from expressing their views. But only God knows the plans He has for everyone,” Wanga added.
Her remarks come amid heightened political debate following the formation of a broad-based government that brought together President Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and opposition figures allied to ODM.
This arrangement has fueled speculation about potential political realignments ahead of the next election cycle.
The rumours intensified after ODM leaders, including Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, stated that any coalition negotiations involving the party would not settle for anything lower than the deputy president’s position.
This statement led to increased focus on Wanga as a possible candidate, given her national profile and influence within ODM.
On Monday, December 29, a Kirinyaga woman representative alleged that Wanga was quietly positioning herself for the deputy president role, claiming this was behind her recent political statements critical of former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“I was elected by the people of Homa Bay to be their governor, and if they agree, my wish is to be re-elected in 2027,” she said.
“Beyond that, I am already a national leader as the chairperson of ODM, and I am content with that responsibility.”
The governor acknowledged that political speculation is inevitable, especially for leaders holding senior party positions, but insisted that such discussions should not be mistaken for personal ambition.
“People will always talk, and you cannot stop them from expressing their views. But only God knows the plans He has for everyone,” Wanga added.
Her remarks come amid heightened political debate following the formation of a broad-based government that brought together President Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and opposition figures allied to ODM.
This arrangement has fueled speculation about potential political realignments ahead of the next election cycle.
The rumours intensified after ODM leaders, including Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, stated that any coalition negotiations involving the party would not settle for anything lower than the deputy president’s position.
This statement led to increased focus on Wanga as a possible candidate, given her national profile and influence within ODM.
On Monday, December 29, a Kirinyaga woman representative alleged that Wanga was quietly positioning herself for the deputy president role, claiming this was behind her recent political statements critical of former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Wanga, however, did not directly address the allegation, choosing instead to restate her current political focus.
Turning to the future of ODM, the Homa Bay governor said the year 2026 would be critical for the party as it evaluates its direction ahead of the 2027 elections.
Turning to the future of ODM, the Homa Bay governor said the year 2026 would be critical for the party as it evaluates its direction ahead of the 2027 elections.
She noted that any decision on coalitions would be made collectively through party structures.
She explained that ODM is currently in a working arrangement with the Ruto administration but made it clear that the cooperation is not automatic beyond the next election.
“We did not elect this government,” Wanga said.
“Going into 2027, any coalition must be negotiated properly. In 2026, ODM will hold its national delegates’ convention, and that decision will be made by the entire party, not by individuals.”
Her comments follow calls by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, who urged ODM leader Raila Odinga to open formal talks with UDA ahead of the next polls.
She explained that ODM is currently in a working arrangement with the Ruto administration but made it clear that the cooperation is not automatic beyond the next election.
“We did not elect this government,” Wanga said.
“Going into 2027, any coalition must be negotiated properly. In 2026, ODM will hold its national delegates’ convention, and that decision will be made by the entire party, not by individuals.”
Her comments follow calls by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, who urged ODM leader Raila Odinga to open formal talks with UDA ahead of the next polls.
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