Faction in ODM Protests Replacement of Raila’s Image with Wanga’s on Campaign Materials

A faction within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is levelling sharp accusations against Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, alleging she is abusing her influence by compelling party candidates to feature her image on their campaign posters, a move that has ignited a fierce debate over the party’s future identity.

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The controversy erupted after campaign materials for several ODM candidates in upcoming by-elections surfaced conspicuously bearing Governor Wanga’s portrait, a departure from the long-established tradition of featuring the party’s iconic leader, the late Raila Odinga.

For decades, ODM candidates across the country relied on Raila Odinga’s image as a powerful tool for voter mobilization, a testament to his unparalleled influence. His recent passing has left a significant vacuum, sparking an internal struggle over the visual representation of the party’s brand.

The decision to replace Raila’s image with her own has not been well-received by a section of party stalwarts, who see it as a premature and arrogant power grab.

“This is nothing short of being drunk with power,” an ODM Member of Parliament who sought anonymity for fear of reprisals told this publication. “The dust has not even settled on our leader’s passing, and she is already erasing his legacy. It is a blatant disrespect to the Odinga family and the party’s base.”

The debate among members centers on whose image should rightfully succeed Raila’s. Some argue that the posters should have featured Raila’s brother, Dr. Oburu Odinga, as a symbol of continuity for the Odinga political dynasty. Others believe that, in a new era, the focus should be on the candidates themselves, without any overarching party figure.

However, the emergence of Wanga’s image has fueled speculation about her political alignment and ambitions. A growing narrative within political circles suggests that President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza alliance may be considering Governor Wanga as a potential running mate in the next general elections, as part of a strategy to build a broad-based coalition and gain footholds in ODM’s traditional strongholds.

Critics within ODM allege that Wanga’s push for visibility on campaign posters is a strategic move to consolidate her personal brand ahead of a potential defection, using party resources and candidates to build her own profile.

“This is not about party unity; it’s about personal mileage,” charged a member of the ODM National Executive Committee. “She is forcing our candidates to be her billboards, and it reeks of desperation and ambition at the expense of party loyalty.”

Efforts to get a comment from Governor Wanga’s office were unsuccessful. However, her allies have defended the move, stating that as a sitting governor and a senior party figure in the region, her support is a valuable asset for any candidate.

The internal rift highlights the significant challenges facing ODM as it navigates its future without its founding father. The question of who inherits Raila Odinga’s political capital is becoming a central point of contention, with the controversy over campaign posters serving as the first public sign of the power struggles to come.

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