“Joho Has What It Takes!” – Gladys Wanga Says On Highly Contested DP Position
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has signalled that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) could front Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho as its preferred candidate for Deputy President.
However, only if the political arrangement with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of the 2027 General Election still stands.
The ODM chairperson spoke during an ODM Youth Convention in Kilifi on Sunday, April 26 where she reiterated that the party would strictly enter into coalition negotiations with UDA as equal partners, insisting that power-sharing would be based on parity.
“We have entered into talks with our colleagues, and I want to declare here that we are the biggest party in the region. When we enter into talks, we will enter as equal partners,” Wanga said.
“And when seats are put on the table, it will be 50-50. If they produce a president, we will produce a deputy president. And once we achieve that, we will meet in the corner as ODM because Joho has what it takes.”
ODM Chair Governor Gladys Wanga says ODM will enter negotiation talks with UDA as equal partners, noting that any agreement on the table will be on a 50/50 basis.
— ETAYA TV (@EtayaTvKisii) April 26, 2026
^JN pic.twitter.com/lAaIPK1lAc
While Joho has been a name that has been tossed around the conversation of deputizing President Ruto for his 2027 presidential bid, there was uncertainty around who ODM would settle on, with Wanga also being rumoured to be eyeing the seat.
The governor’s remarks came at the back of the recently-formed Broad-Based Management Committee between UDA and ODM, established following a high-level meeting at State House, Nairobi, on April 23.
The committee, announced after talks between President William Ruto and ODM leader Oburu Odinga, brings together select Cabinet Secretaries and parliamentary leaders from both sides.
It is mandated to align legislative and executive priorities, streamline governance coordination, and manage emerging political tensions within the cooperation framework.
The arrangement is also expected to address contentious issues such as electoral zoning, where both parties are considering an understanding not to field candidates against each other in selected regions in a bid to reduce internal competition ahead of 2027.
ALSO READ:
- “Joho Has What It Takes!” – Gladys Wanga Says On Highly Contested DP Position
- EPRA Announces New Electricity Prices, Introduces Fresh Water Levy Charges
- Millie Odhiambo Warns ODM Leadership Against Party SG Sifuna, Allies
- FIFA Breaks Silence On FKF Scandal Involving Suspended President, Issues Way Forward
- Bandits Raids Kitui Village, Kill SEVEN And Burn Several Properties
During the same gathering on Sunday, Wanga also used the platform to criticise opposition leaders, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of repeatedly invoking the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
“I want to tell Gachagua, Baba never had any association with you when he was alive. Leave Baba alone now that he is gone. Do not mention Baba and don’t disrespect him,” she said.
She further dismissed recent opposition tours along the Coast, saying they lacked traction on the ground.
The Homa Bay county boss maintained that ODM would only engage political partners who respect its principles.
She warned against alliances with leaders she accused of land grabbing and tribal politics, saying such individuals have no place in Coast region politics.
“Joho Has What It Takes!” – Gladys Wanga Demands 50% Power-Sharing From UDA
